READ | 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

CONSIDER

Notice how many times in these three verses Paul uses the word “one.” Read back over the text and count them.

Even though we are many individuals, God’s Spirit has made us one in Christ. Our faith binds us together. And this is not just a flowery metaphor—this is the reality of the local church! Real people, face to face, with all our differences, yet bound together by our common baptism and Spirit.

Do you feel like you have a tangible connection to your local church, just like your finger is connected to your hand, like your hand is connected to your wrist, like your wrist is connected to your arm? Or do you feel separate?

ASK

As you prepare to pray, sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths as you tune in to God’s presence with you. In your mind, allow people’s faces from your church to pass before your eyes. As someone’s face comes to mind, imagine that you are holding them in your hand. Without word, simply offer them up to the light of God’s love, allowing his love for each of them to fill your heart.

 


Contributed by Rodger Otero, Associate Pastor