A Prayer for Christian Community - Your Daily Prayer - November 5

Your Daily Prayer

Audio By Carbonatix

By Laura Bailey, Crosswalk.com

A Prayer for Christian Community
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
“The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” - Genesis 2:18 NIV

Listen or Read Below:

“I don’t know why they would act that way; they are supposed to be Christians. I’ve worked with unbelievers who treat me better than they did,” a sister in Christ lamented over coffee one morning.

My friend’s church was going through a tough time. The congregation was divided over leadership and the church's general direction. Tensions were high, tempers were hot, and friends were quickly becoming foes. While Scripture admonishes us to seek unity among the body of believers (John 17:21) and to “as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18), there will be times when we disagree. Yet, we must be vigilant not to allow our disagreements to turn into discord that leads to dissension.

“Honestly, I’ve been so hurt by my church community that I wonder if it’s not better for me to just walk away for a while.” My friend struggled to hold back tears. I knew there were people within the walls of the church who’d deeply wounded her recently. But, I also knew that she’d been a part of this congregation for numerous years, had deep relationships built on mutual trust and love. Walking away from the people who caused her pain would also mean abandoning the community that encouraged and equipped her faith.

If you have ever experienced church hurt, I am so sorry. I know how painful it is to experience wounds inflicted by the people you thought were your safe space. In those seasons, it is challenging to return week after week to the place that was once your sanctuary, but now a source of suffering. However, even when the saints act more like sinners, we are called to be part of a Christian community because we were created for it.

In the first six days of creation, God looks out and says that all He has created is “good” (Genesis 1). Yet, when He makes man, in His image, He says it is “very good.” However, just a few verses later, we see that God transitions from things that are good to noticing something that is “not good.” Genesis 2:18, “ The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

We aren't meant to live life alone; God created mankind for community with Him, as well as with others. With Adam and Eve’s union, we see the first example of human community; however, the idea of living in a group of people is prevalent throughout Scripture, as exemplified by the Jewish Nation, a collection of people set apart by God ( Exodus 19:3-6). In the New Testament, we see an example of the early Christians gathered in community in Acts 2:1-4. We observe from this text that Christians gathered together while the Spirit rested on them individually; corporately, they worshiped and praised the Lord together. Later, in Acts 2:42-47, the early church grew because of its strong ties to living in community and engaging in corporate worship.

We also see community in the disciples. Just as God didn’t create humans because he was lonely, Jesus didn’t need companionship from these twelve (imperfect) men. Yet, He chose to surround himself with this group of guys, who came from various backgrounds, many of whom weren’t the finest in society. Put a tax collector, a leader of a rebellious political party, and a couple of hot heads together, and expect them to get along? I am sure that on more than one occasion, one of the disciples contemplated walking away from the group because of their differences or frustrations. However, the command was not to follow each other, but to follow Christ.

You may be tempted to check out of your church community, but instead, let me encourage you to stay, even when it’s hard. As Christians, we are called to be part of a body of believers, united in Christ. Relationships are complicated, but mess and all, they are worth it.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for creating us out of love. You alone are worthy of our honor and praise. When we are tempted to check out of the local church, give us the courage to lean in. Lord, help us to forgive those who have caused us hurt and pain. Allow our relationships to be reconciled, as we seek unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We pray for those who have experienced church hurt that you will give them a sense of peace to return to Your house. Help us in our relationships, let the fruits of the Spirit be on full display.

We love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

We want to hear from you! Submit your Thanksgiving Prayer or a short note of thanks! Your submissions could be featured on the Your Daily Prayer Podcast as we lead up to Thanksgiving Day. Thank you again for your continued support—we can’t wait to hear from you!

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Laura Bailey author headshot Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram.

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