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Prayer Tip: The Purpose and Power of the Church

February 12, 2023
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Daily Scripture

Ezekiel 34:11-12 and 16a (CEB), Matthew 9:35-37 (NRSV), Matthew 16:18 (NRSV), 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NRSV)

Ezekiel 34:11-12 and 16a (CEB)
The LORD God proclaims: I myself will search for my flock and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out the flock when some in the flock have been scattered, so will I seek out my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered during the time of clouds and thick darkness…I will seek out the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.

Matthew 9:35-37 (NRSV)
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

Matthew 16:18 (NRSV)
[Jesus said,] I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NRSV)
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Prayer Tip

by Chris Holliday, Resurrection West Connection & Care Pastor and Adult Discipleship Director

Today we are considering the purpose and power of the church and specifically Resurrection’s “Vision 2030: Closing the Gap.” At the same time, most of us are pretty focused on a certain big game that will lead to a victory parade on Wednesday (we hope in Kansas City). These two topics actually intertwine more than we might think. Both involve vision, planning, teamwork, teaching, respect and care.

As we continue to work towards closing the spiritual, generational, kindness and justice, and opportunity gaps, I thought it would be helpful to gain some inspiration from a few of our football personalities.

From Head Coach Andy Reid:

“Respecting people is an important part of life whether it’s the person doing janitorial work or the person above you. It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to respect you.”

“I try to treat people the way I’d want to be treated. I think, whether it’s through what I’ve learned in church or family, I think we’re here as teachers, and that’s what I do. So that’s how I look at myself as a teacher and in my case men, young men. And whether it’s on the field or off the field, if I can give them any experience to help them… become better players or husbands… fathers, I try to do that.”

From MVP Patrick Mahomes:

“The best thing about it is you’re showing kids that no matter where you grow up, what race you are, that you can achieve your dream.”

“Do whatever you can to make the world a better place in every action that you take.”

“It’s always been about just being the best person and the best teammate and the best friend that I can be with whoever I interact with.”

“I’ve always believed . . . when people do things together and do things for the right reasons and have a good heart when they do it that things get done and change happens.”

And finally, from this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott:

“We’re all blessed with the obligation to make an impact on our communities and to love our neighbors.”

As we reflect on these quotes and on closing the gaps, let us pray for the strength, courage and wisdom to do what we need to do. May we come together. May we love and serve all. And may we truly help make this world a better place. Amen! (And if you’ll allow me a personal note, “Go Chiefs!”)