1Kings 7; Ephesians 4; Ezekiel 37; Psalms 87,88

prayer arising:

Lord, soften my heart and shape my desires so that I can think straight this morning. Where things are impossible, in You they are possible. I pray that today I would carry Your prophetic word of new life and a new Spirit into the deadness of my life and others, placing all my questions in You.

Jesus - I feel like I am playing with words before this glorious call of Ephesians 4, when what You require are simple commitments on my part:

• I will bear with others in love
• I will make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
• I will not see the differing gifts of Your grace in others as a cause for breaking apart but as a means of growing to maturity, giving thanks to You for the extent of Your grace and seeking to be built up through such differences
• I will seek words that will build others up, not grieving Your Spirit
• I will forgive as You have forgiven me

How can I seek anything else if I am in You, O Lord? Give me grace sufficient to Your purposes today. Help me to see Your grace which underpins the differences in Your body and let Your new life flow as a fountain through us.

Amen