(by Geoff Armitage, December 2020 – although addressed to Australia, this is applicable across the globe)
The Blessing of Prophetic Correction
How should we pray for the church of God in Australia?
This is an important question that we need to ask in order to focus our prayers according to God’s heart for his believing people in this land. As we look at the different churches and denominations throughout Australia there does not seem to be any easy answers.
Whilst considering this question the Lord directed my thoughts to the book of Revelation. This letter, written to the seven churches in Asia, begins with each church receiving an individual word from Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega. The letter is written by the Apostle John who was the bishop of these churches.
Each church is commended to have ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the church. These prophetic words are a blessing to the believers in these seven churches. Each church receives a specific word that contains praise, commendations, rebukes, warnings, instructions and blessings.
Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of his church is breathing life into his people whom he loves with an eternal love. The prophetic word of God always breathes the life of God, even when it is bringing correction. The prophetic word, even when it brings a rebuke, comes from a loving Father who desires to breathe life and blessing into his people.
As we pray for the church of God in Australia, which he bought with his own blood, let us be fervent in asking for the blessing of prophetic correction.
Let us pray together for the church in Australia that,
- The blessing of prophetic commendation and correction will be released in our land.
- That church leaders, following John’s example, would receive prophetic insight in how to bless their people.
- That the ears of God’s people will be opened to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Blessings,
Pastor Geoff Armitage of Simeon Ministries
email geoff@simeonministries.com
Scripture Reflection
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
(Ephesians 4:1-6)
Prayers
Dearest Lord Jesus,
You made it possible for us to be re-born into true life, transformed from children of the flesh into children of the Holy Spirit – You breathed new life into us. We give you thanks and praise forever!
Help us Lord to look past our differences and foolish judgements on each other, to see the perfect unity of You, the Holy Spirit and the Eternal Father, bound together forever by perfect love. Enflame a consuming desire in us to totally adopt Your love, so that we forgive each other and ourselves for our messy understandings and opinions, and do this automatically; without even needing to consider if we should. Let Your love completely rule our re-made hearts.
Help us Lord to live Your love for the world, caring and working selflessly for our earthly families, friends and neighbours; for our eternal brothers and sisters. Help us to demonstrate and illustrate through our lives Your love to all people, who are all eternal beings, whether they know You or not.
One day Lord, on that great day, we will all individually kneel before You to give account of how we spent what You gave us. May we then humbly and gratefully acknowledge Your help alone, ignoring all our feeble attempts, and may we also give thanks to You for all the people that You sent to us; to teach us how to take in and pour out Your love. All glory and honour to You Lord forever!
Amen.
(Bjorn Schmid)
Father make us one,
Father, make us one,
That the world may know
Thou hast sent the Son,
Father, make us one.
Behold how pleasant and how good it is
For brethren to dwell in unity,
For there the Lord commands the blessing,
Life forever more.
(Rick Ridings, from Psalm 133:1,3 & John 17:21)