Prayer5 Part1

O God our Father, we humbly come in Jesus’ name on behalf of Your body, the Church. You said in Your Word: “I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

We must repent of our carnal, selfish pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness because we have become like the church of Ephesus and fallen from our first love. You said in Your Word: “You don’t love Me or each other as we did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to Me again and work as you did at first. If you don’t, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches.”

Jesus, we recognize our lack of love for you and for each other. We have fallen so far from Your heart of love. If we would recognize how far we have fallen, we could get up and begin to love everyone regardless of ethnicity, economic status, or sinful nature. We have become like the Church in Pergamum where we tolerate the sin taught by Balaam to worship idols and commit sexual sin. We must repent!

We are like the Church in Thyatira where we are allowing the Jezebel spirit that worships idols and commits sexual sins to lead many astray. Forgive us for tolerating the sins of immorality but not caring for those who commit them.

We are like the Church in Sardis; we are nearly dead but must wake up NOW and return to you again!

We are like the Church in Laodicea; we are neither hot nor cold. Since we are lukewarm, You will spit us out of Your mouth! Forgive us of our lukewarm condition and help us to realize that the Church is wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Help us to do what Your Word says: “I advise you to buy gold from Me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference.”

Help us to be at least like the Churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. The Church in Smyrna remained faithful during suffering and poverty, but they were truly rich! Even during the slander that was opposing them, they were not to be afraid. Even facing death, they remained faithful and would be given a crown of life. They knew that by being victorious they would not be hurt by the second death.

The Church in Philadelphia, even with very little strength, would willingly obey Your Word and not deny You, Jesus. You have given Your Church today an open door that no one can shut. We must be faithful to walk through that door of opportunity and blessing with the strength You are giving us today. Just as You protected the Church in Philadelphia because they obeyed Your command to persevere, protect Your Church in America as we persevere out of obedience to You, until our mission is complete! We pray in faith believing because we know Your Word is true and that You have heard us and answered our prayer. In Jesus’ glorious and most powerful name forever and forever!!!