A Prayer for Believers Who Just Can’t (Won’t) Agree

September 23, 2011

 A Prayer for Believers Who Just Can’t (Won’t) Agree
     I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:1–3
     Gracious Jesus, there are times when your faithful servants don’t see eye to eye on very important matters. Our best efforts at keeping “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3) get stressed and tested, even bruised. Differing perspectives often lead to sharp disagreements; and sharp disagreements can lead to the parting of ways; and parting of ways can lead to self-righteousness, gossip and cynicism. This happens among good friends, in seminary boardrooms, on the mission field, in our church families… really, in any relationship.
     This morning I’m bringing you a few situations which are “exhibit A” of this very scenario. My heart’s heavy, but not as heavy as it would be if I didn’t believe you to be the Prince of Peace; if I didn’t believe in the power of the gospel to effect change; if I didn’t believe your name is Redeemer and Restorer. Here’s my prayer for friends in the throes of turmoil.
     Lord Jesus, may seeking first your kingdom and your righteousness far outweigh any other seeking—seeking to win, seeking to be right, seeking to avoid pain, seeking to get our own way. Your glory and story matter so much more than our issues and agenda.
     Help us to recognize and resist the schemes of Satan in these conflicts. He hates you, your followers, your church—he is passionately committed to destroying all expressions of beauty among your people. Help my friends keep the main issues in view and not get drawn into biting and devouring one another (Gal. 5:13–15).
     May friends who see the issues so differently still honor one another as family and beloved servants of Jesus. How we handle our conflicts is just as important as the issues which generate our conflicts—maybe even more important at times. I pray for both the confronters and the confronted. May the gospel supplant all defensiveness and offensiveness with humility and gentleness. May bearing with one another in love trump besting one another with rhetoric.
     Even as you redeemed the painful story between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36–40; 2 Tim. 4), so bring redemption in these broken stories which are breaking the hearts of many. So very Amen I pray, with sadness but trusting in your powerful name.
 
Scotty Smith
Pastor for Preaching
Christ Community Church
1215 Hillsboro Rd.
Franklin, TN  37069
615-468-2230
 
It’s good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace Hebrews 13:9

Filed under: Prayer