Daily Prayer Devotional - Today's Inspiration

A Prayer for Growth in the Body of Christ
By Chelsey DeMatteis

Bible Reading:
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-12

Listen or Read Below:

I’ll never forget the first time I was invited to have a seat at a ministry table at church. I tell people often that my first real ministry experience was a gift of grace. You see, I was twenty-two, not yet married, and had a story filled with redemption. I didn’t have the testimony of walking with Jesus from the time I was young; mine was quite the opposite; it was full of rebellion and a great awakening to understanding my need for a savior.

This room, full of women, welcomed me with open arms. They loved my passion and desire to grow in my understanding of who God was and all He wanted for my life. So, they invited me in. They made a place for me and my giftings - they could see the place that God had wanted me. They were, as the Bible puts it, “equipping me and building me up for the body of Christ..” (Eph 4:12).

The early church placed such an emphasis on training up believers, so much so, that many of Paul's letters and Jesus' messages were to “go and tell” the good news of the gospel and to “share” this message of hope with all who would listen.

The beauty of this commission is that God knew it would require people with diverse giftings to carry out this mission. It would take those who love being in front of large groups, who pray in the quiet of the night, who enjoy one-on-one discipleship, and who love planning gatherings and preparing meals for others. The list could go on forever because God has a plan and purpose to use every believer to carry forth His message.

Churches all over the country, and the world for that matter, are looking for people who are willing to serve in the way they have been gifted. Though they may not spell it out that way, they are - and if they are not, they should be. The greatest blessing to a church is a thriving body, and we thrive as a body when we are carrying out our specific gifts for the glory of God.

The Bible tells this in many ways:

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

How do you or how can you use your giftings right now in this current season? Does your church know what it is you love to do? Or, if you're not sure what you're gifted with, what sets your heart on fire for the Lord? Whichever question you find yourself answering, take time to sit in prayer with the Lord on how you can best serve Him and the church.

Once you've spent the time with Him, talk with a fellow church member about coming alongside you to help walk out this gifting. Accountability is another great blessing that comes from the body of Christ. We were never meant to do this work alone; having someone to hold us accountable and pray for us is essential. Once you've found your help, then you can pray if the Lord calls you to take this to your church as an area where they can grow a ministry.

Once again, the church is seeking willing vessels—people hungry for God and His Word and wanting salvation for others! Pray to be a vessel; ask God to fill you up and pour you out as you serve Him faithfully in the way He's gifted you. The church needs you, and God has given you great gifts with a purpose.

Let's Pray:

Father, thank you for the incredible blessing of spiritual giftings. What an honor it is to use the way you've created me to draw hearts closer to Jesus. Please help me as I grow in my faith. Please give me the wisdom and understanding I need as I journey with you. Help me to be aware of my shortcomings and stir in me a hunger to be with you. I pray the whole body of Christ may be willing vessels, ready to serve you with hearts of anticipation. In Jesus' name, amen.

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

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