Ephesians 4:11-16 | God's Heart for the Service of His People

May the Lord our God who unites us together in Himself
make clear to you the gifts you have received
so that you may contribute to the building up of His church.

That this church would be one
where brothers and sisters serve in gladness---
may it be so.

That this church would be one
where love is the source from which we build
as we lift each other up continually
to grow in faith and maturity in Christ---
may it be so.

That this church would be one
where the diversity in giftings among the people
would ultimately lead us to glorify God
and celebrate the creativity of our Maker---
may it be so.

That this church would be one of many communities
united around Jesus Christ,
pointing the world around us ever closer to His heart---
may it be so.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance to you and give you peace.

Ephesians 2:11-22 | God's Heart for the Unity of His People

May the God of all hope and love be seen in our midst this week.

In days when words of fear abound,
may you find unity with your brothers and sisters
around the hope that we share in Christ,
for our Savior is risen and His Spirit lives in us today.

In days when words of hate abound,
may you find unity with your brothers and sisters
around the love that we share in Christ,
letting the love you’ve received from the Father
overflow to those around you.

May the Holy Spirit create in each of us
an eagerness to maintain unity
and bless us with the wisdom to know
when and how to speak and act
so that we might translate the heart of our King
into this world and thus see His Kingdom take shape around us.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance to you and give you peace.