Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Acts 2:44-47, 9:31; 1 Corinthians 11:16; Philippians 2:3-4

But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body.  (1 Corinthians 12:18-20)

Father, You made all of us with different personalities, with different gifts and responsibilities, and yet You choose to mingle us together in the same body of believers, over which Christ is Head. You provide us endless opportunities to give of ourselves, to teach others, to guide the confused, to help those in need, and to carry the burdens of others. As we serve Your people and touch the lives of those outside the church, we face great temptations to be in charge, to force others to get in line, to make things more uniform and rigid, to get narrow and demanding, to set our expectations too high, to handle the work of ministry and life in general as if they were secular enterprises. God, we need You to keep things fresh and unpredictable and especially to keep us authentic, servant-hearted people who are easy to live with. Remind us that You are the Potter and we are the clay.

So give us new hope...hope beyond religion, hope that motivates us to press on, to serve You with pure motives, strong minds, and humble hearts. Thank You for Your grace, our only hope...in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Excerpted from The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll, Volume 2, Copyright 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.