The painful privilege of service

A prayer based on this mornings passage - Colossians 1:24 - 2:5

Lord God,

Thank you for the wonderful message you have given to us.  Christ in you, the hope of glory.  For many generations, this truth was a mystery, Christ was hidden.  But now, you have revealed him to us.  You have caused us to see him.  He has come to dwell in us.  Thank you that we see, know and have Jesus Christ in us. This is a marvellous message and a living hope.  We long for glory.  Because He is in us we are assured of glory.  Thank you for your hope, which burns within our hearts.  We thank you that as we proclaim him, we offer hope to everyone.

Loving God,

 You call us to Jesus Christ, and you cause us to grow up in him.  We are sorry for the times we have hit cruise control.  We are sorry for thinking we know enough, or for giving in the fight against sin.  We are sorry for not loving each other as you have called us to do.

Cause us to hunger for yourself.  May we desire to be fully mature.  May we encourage each other to grow up in Jesus Christ.  May we contend together, and walk forward in you.  Help us to assess what we are doing as a church, and align that with your aim, so we can present everyone fully mature in Christ.

Risen Saviour

We thank you for the privilege of partnering with you.  Cause us to rejoice in what we suffer for you.  May we not shrink back.  Make us a people of prayer and action.  May we know your power, grant us all the energy we need in our service. And so may we see one another and your church grow in this community.

In Jesus powerful name we pray,

Amen