21 Days of Fasting & Prayer Devotional – Day 3: The Capital “C” Church
When praying about the Kingdom of God to come soon, one important area in accomplishing this that sometimes gets overlooked is the Church. This is one of the greatest tools God has given us as it can bring together and unite the hearts of His followers into a common purpose: seek first the Kingdom. The prayers of one Believer can be powerful but the prayers of many Believers gathered together with the same heart and mind can transform our communities, cities, country, and even the world.
“...on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV)
In Matthew 16, Jesus explains that “upon this rock” of Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, that He will build His church. Then immediately Jesus says, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
What Jesus is saying doesn’t apply only to Peter, but it is for the Church. The keys of the Kingdom of God –– the authority of that Kingdom, the right to act in its name –– are given in this age, by the King, to the Church! This is why the gathering of God’s people and our participation in that gathering is so important because we miss out on the Kingdom of God when we don’t engage with our local church.
Just as important as being with our church in prayer, we can also be a part of God’s Kingdom work when we pray and seek the benefit of other churches.
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
If God’s plan is to use the Church to bring about His Kingdom here on earth, how much more should we desire to be where God is working? How often should we be in prayer for other churches?
PRAYER PROMPT:
Today as you pray and fast, write the names of churches you know and take time to pray for them. If led, take a moment to reach out to them and let them know they were prayed for today.
