This Prayer email is the second of five during our GBC prayer week with Bible reflections and points for prayer.  They have been written for us by Paul Hamilton.

Each day we will think about one aspect of the Fivefold Ministry. This term refers to the roles of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher found in the book of Ephesians. It's the Biblical blueprint we are given to equip people and grow the Kingdom.

Please read the verses below, and prayerfully consider what this means

•   for you individually,

•   for the life and ministry of GBC, and

•   for our witness in the local community.

Ephesians 4 v 11-13 (NIV) says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

TUESDAY’S READING

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14 v 1 & 3:  Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ... He who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Prophets can be described as the “Heart Revealers” in the Kingdom of God. They are effective in revealing God’s heart for His people where ever they go. They can accurately discern God’s heart for a situation. They help people experience God’s voice for the very first time and help them develop hearing the voice of God in their own life.

Challenge Question

Are you a ‘blind guide’ - or are you someone who takes time out and seeks to know God’s heart - for your own situation?    for the people you know?    for the community where you live?

Individual Testimony

I’m not very good at listening but sometimes I find God puts a particular person or a situation on my heart. And a Bible verse or a song or a picture comes into my mind. I love being able to share it with that person. Sometimes the person says that that was exactly what they needed to hear. I love it when God uses me to pass on a word that builds someone up or encourages them.

Reflections for prayer

Lord help me to listen.

Teach me your truth.

May we know your heart - especially for the broken and the lost.

Lead me in the way everlasting

Song

Make me a channel of Your peace

Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope

Where there is darkness, only light

And where there's sadness, ever joy