Prayer Diary for September 2011

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for Individual and Church Spiritual Growth
Love and the exercise of spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he wrote a letter. So it was not then marked out in chapters and verses; these were added about 1,000 years later to help us find our way quickly to different verses. These three chapters all contain one common theme: they deal with the exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly in church meetings. We often pluck Chapter 13 out of context, as a chapter on love, and separate it from chapters 12 and 14. But the reality is that the three chapters all go together.

Paul continues to instruct the church at Corinth to help them overcome the various problems that were in the church causing disunity. Having instructed them in Chapter 11 about how to conduct themselves during the time of communion in their Sunday services, he continues over the next three chapters to show them what the underlying factor is that will enable them to excel in worship and in the exercise of spiritual gifts.

God has placed people of all sorts of personalities, talents and giftings in the church. The Holy Spirit distributes amongst the whole body of Christ the nine gifts of the Spirit as he determines, although we are encouraged to ask him for the best or greater gifts, one of which Paul specifically mentions as being prophecy, for the simple reason that it helps build up many. Spiritual gifts are profitable and to be desired, but must be used correctly.

The Corinthians, like many today, tended to judge by externals, and so those who could speak in tongues often felt a sense of spiritual superiority over other believers who did not. Their loud and disorderly use of the gift of speaking in tongues became a distraction rather than being helpful. So Paul instructs them that the primary use of the gift was to be in private, for the purpose of self-edification. In the church, we need to always be thinking of how we can build one another up; so a message in tongues with an interpretation or a word of prophecy is preferable.

Paul points out that no matter what spiritual gift a person may have, and no matter how outwardly impressive it may be, it counts for absolutely nothing if the person is not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), summed up by 'agapé' love, that is, the love that God exhibits, which puts the interests of others first.

When love is put at the heart of our worship, our primary focus is upon Jesus. The use of the spiritual gifts that we have, are not to draw attention to ourselves, but to build up and strengthen other believers. Love will endure forever, and it is the greatest of all attributes.

1st - 1 Corinthians 12:1-3  Don't be ignorant about spiritual gifts

1. Holy Spirit, quicken our desire to receive from you all that you want to give us, we pray.
2. Help us to understand the importance of being baptised in the Holy Spirit and using spiritual gifts to serve you, O Lord.
3. For all those amongst us who are not yet baptised in the Holy Spirit, give them the earnestness to seek, the patience to wait as necessary, and the faith to receive, we pray.
4. For any in your church who do not believe the gifts of the Spirit are for today, open the minds of their understanding, we pray.
5. Give us enquiring minds, O Lord, to desire not to remain ignorant, but to learn more of the power you desire to equip us with.

2nd - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7  Gifts given for the good of others

1. Teach us, O Lord, that the gifts you endow us with are not for our personal benefit, but to be ministered for the benefit of others.
2. Deliver us from a self-centred 'me and my ministry' mentality, O God, and instead may we always exhibit a Christ-centred attitude to ministry.
3. Help us learn the joy of giving away for the benefit of others, we pray.
4. Teach us, in accordance with your will, how to be servants, O Lord.
5. Cause us to be trustworthy to the point that you can trust us with great spiritual gifts, O God.

3rd - 1 Corinthians 12:8 Words of wisdom and of knowledge

1. Give us a sanctified natural wisdom, O Lord, which enables our decisions to be seasoned with great common sense.
2. Give us the gift of using words of wisdom in particular situations where our natural wisdom is insufficient, we pray.
3. When speaking to unsaved people, give us words of wisdom that you know, O Lord, are just what they need to hear.
4. Grant us the ability to know certain things that are revealed supernaturally by you to us, Holy Spirit, that will help show those we speak to, the reality of God.
5. Give us the faith to exercise the gift of a word of knowledge, Holy Spirit, we pray.

4th - 1 Corinthians 12:9 Faith and healing

1. We pray for the gift of faith that, at your prompting, Holy Spirit, enables us to believe for the impossible.
2. Help us distinguish, O Lord, between faith and presumption, so that we know what comes from your prompting and what is merely our human desires.
3. Distribute amongst us, Holy Spirit, we ask, the gifts of healing for all sorts of physical ailments.
4. Give us the courage to use the authority of Jesus you have given us, O Lord, to heal the sick.
5. Multiply healings amongst us, O God, and particularly outside of the church when we are ministering to non-Christians.

5th - 1 Corinthians 12:10 Miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits and tongues

1. We pray that we may see the miraculous in our midst, O Lord.
2. We pray for the gift of prophecy so that we can bring words for strengthening, encouraging and comforting others.
3. Give us the ability to discern spirits, O Lord, and the wisdom to know what to do with that knowledge.
4. We pray for the gift of speaking in tongues, and the wisdom to use it in our prayer times to edify ourselves spiritually.
5. We pray for messages in tongues that can be interpreted in our meetings and discipleship cells for the edification of the church.

6th - 1 Corinthians 12:11 Gifts given by the Spirit to the body

1. Lord, we pray that we may exhibit the unity in the Spirit that you desire us to have, so that you can work through your church in power.
2. Lord, we pray for a unity, purpose and vision, so that we may see accomplished the particular plans you have for our church.
3. Give us a faithfulness in all we do, Holy Spirit, that enables you to trust us with your gifts.
4. Lord, we pray for a move of the Holy Spirit amongst us in revival power.
5. As you move amongst us, Holy Spirit, we ask that you would distribute your spiritual gifts liberally, so that your kingdom is greatly extended.

7th - 1 Corinthians 12:12-17 All are important in the body of Christ

1. We pray for all those amongst us who, by nature, are extroverts; use their personalities to accomplish those areas of ministry best suited to them.
2. We pray for all those amongst us who, by nature, are introverts; use their personalities to accomplish those areas of ministry best suited to them.
3. We pray for all those amongst us who are blessed with practical gifts and talents; may they use them for your glory, O Lord.
4. We pray for all those amongst us with charismatic gifts and abilities; may they use them for the extension of your Kingdom, O God.
5. Help us to value and esteem each gift, talent and ability in the body of Christ, we pray.

8th - 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 Functioning in our position in the body of Christ

1. We pray for all those whose gifts are used effectively, but behind the scenes; make them fruitful for your Kingdom , O Lord.
2. We pray for all those who have public ministries, help each one remain Christ-centred and bring you all the glory, O God.
3. Help us to recognise the giftings you have given each of us, Holy Spirit, and rather than burying them, to use them effectively.
4. May we be content with the gifts you have given us, Holy Spirit, and not be jealous of those that you have given to others.
5. Use us effectively to make our unique contribution to the work of the body of Christ, we pray.

9th - 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 Empathising with one another

1. Teach us the importance of each member of the body of Christ, O Lord.
2. Give us a sensibility to the feelings of others, O Lord, so that we may not cause offence inadvertently.
3. Help us to empathise with those in distress and to know how to bring them the comfort in the Lord, we pray.
4. Give us generous hearts that delight in the promotion and blessings experienced by others, even when it is not happening to us.
5. As your body, make us one, O Lord.

10th - 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Making room for the gifts

1. Raise up apostles and missionaries in your church, O Lord.
2. Raise up prophets who will be a powerful and effective voice to your church and our nation, O God.
3. For those with effective teaching ministries, inside and outside the church, cause them to explain your Word effectively and with power to adults, youth and children, we pray.
4. Raise up within your church those with an anointed ministry of helping, O Lord.
5. We pray for those with the gifts for administration, that they would use those gifts for the orderly functioning of the work of God, we pray.

11th - 1 Corinthians 12:29-31 Eagerly desire the gifts

1. May we covet earnestly the best gifts that you want us to have, O Lord, without looking covetously at what you have given others.
2. Reveal to us, Holy Spirit, what are the best gifts for each of us as individuals, so that we may pray and ask wisely.
3. Show us what practical gifts we should be asking you for, Holy Spirit, that are needed for your work at this time.
4. Show us what charismatic gifts would be best for us at this time to effectively minister for you, O Lord.
5. Stir up the fire within us, Holy Spirit, we pray.

12th - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Combining the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit

1. Teach us to value what is happening on the inside of a person, rather than merely judging the external, we pray.
2. Cause us to understand that the gifts of the Spirit, no matter how sensational they seem, are without value in a person who lacks the fruit of the Spirit.
3. May we always seek to be like the Giver rather than just to receive the gifts.
4. Develop within us that Christlike attitude which is priceless, O Lord.
5. Cause us to be people who operate the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit hand-in-hand, we pray.

13th - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 God's love in action

1. Lord, make us a people after your own heart, we pray.
2. Lord, help us to be not merely believers but committed disciples of Christ in every area of our lives.
3. Enable us to be willing recipients of the fullness of the Holy Spirit who, we pray, may flow in and through us, and out to all around us.
4. May we be powerful testimonies of the love of Christ in attitude, character, speech and action, that impacts powerfully on those we have daily contact with.
5. Lord, may we be so full of the presence of Christ and of the Holy Spirit that you can move powerfully through us in revival power.

14th - 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 Growing up in Christ

1. Lord, give us the desire not to remain where we are spiritually, but to mature, growing daily in your grace.
2. Give us a deeper understanding of your ways, O Lord, so that we can see how and in what way we need to change to become more like you.
3. As we delight in your ways, O God, may we be like a tree planted by streams of water, producing good, spiritual fruit.
4. As we offer our bodies as living sacrifices to you, O Lord, help us not to conform any longer to the ways of this world, but to the ways of Christ.
5. As we offer our bodies as living sacrifices to you, O Lord, enable us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

15th - 1 Corinthians 13:13 Faith, hope and love

1. Make us a people who know how to exercise faith in every area of our lives, we pray.
2. Help us to be men and women of faith, in both good circumstances and in bad, trusting always in you and not in our circumstances, we pray.
3. As we learn more from your Word of your gracious promises for our future, may the hope that arises cause us to be bold in the exercise of our walk with our God today.
4. May that 'hope' be the anchor of our soul, causing us to be steadfast in all of life's circumstances.
5. Teach us how to exercise the 'agapé' love that seeks, like you do, O God, the best for others whether they are deserving or not.

16th - 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 Seeking to use the gift of prophecy

1. Help us to be people who are always looking for a way to be a blessing to others, O Lord.
2. Lord, may we seek the gift of prophecy so that we can build up others.
3. Help us to be true and accurate in the use of the gift of prophecy, O Lord, being led by your Spirit.
4. Help us to wait on you to listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, and then give us the faith to be able to exercise the gift of prophecy, we pray.
5. We pray that the gift of prophecy will flourish in all our Discipleship Cells, for the building up of individuals.

17th - 1 Corinthians 14:3 Strengthening, encouraging and comforting

1. Make us a people who take delight in seeking to strengthen others, O Lord.
2. Make us people in whom others can find encouragement for every area of their life.
3. Help us to see the potential in others and encourage them to reach their full potential, O God.
4. May we not be people who think only of our own concerns, but who are always mindful of the concerns of others, we pray.
5. As we have learned how you comfort us in our troubles, O Lord, may we use those experiences to comfort others in their times of need.

18th - 1 Corinthians 14:4-5 The correct use of the gift of tongues

1. Help us to desire and seek the gift of speaking in tongues, O Lord, since it is a gift you give us for self-edification.
2. Cause us to learn how speaking in tongues can lift us when we feel spiritually low, to a place of being greatly edified.
3. May we not neglect the gift of speaking in tongues, but in our private devotions use it to build ourselves up spiritually.
4. Teach us how to use the gift of speaking in tongues wisely, profitably and effectively, we pray.
5. Thank you, Lord, that our prayer times with you can always we marked by the supernatural, as the Holy Spirit enables us to speak mysteries to God in tongues.

19th - 1 Corinthians 14:6 Bringing revelation and instruction

1. When we come to a meeting, may we come prepared to give and not merely to receive, O Lord.
2. Give us a word in season that we can share with an individual or others that will help them at that time.
3. Give us revelations from your Spirit that can speak into the lives of others exactly what is right for them at that time, we pray.
4. Give us the wisdom to be able to help direct the paths of others in the ways of the Lord at just the right time when they need it, we pray.
5. Teach us to always ask, "What would you have me do for you and for others this day, O Lord?"

20th - 1 Corinthians 14:7-12 Excelling in building up the church

1. May we regularly ask you the question, "What can I do to help build up your church, O Lord?"
2. Help us to understand that our mission here on earth is not primarily for our own self-advancement, but for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
3. Help those with the necessary skills to help build up the children in the church through anointed teaching, we pray.
4. Bless, anoint and raise up more leaders of men, women and youth, and multiply the Discipleship Cells where individuals can be built up.
5. May each of us ask you, O Lord, what ministries you would have us exercise, and may we carry them out conscientiously and with joy.

21st - 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 Praising God with our spirits

1. When we speak in tongues, help us to exercise the gift of interpretation of tongues so that, when it is necessary, we can know the interpretation of what we speak.
2. Help us to be able to speak in the Spirit and to sing in the Spirit as we offer you our spiritual sacrifices during our personal devotions.
3. Help us to be mindful of others when we exercise the gift of speaking in tongues, O Lord, so that in all we do we may do for the good of the body of Christ.
4. As we exercise any of the spiritual gifts, may everything be underpinned by love, we pray.
5. As we exercise spiritual gifts, may we always be guided by wisdom that comes from your Spirit, O God.

22nd - 1 Corinthians 14:20 Spiritual maturity

1. Make us mature in our understanding of your Word, O Lord.
2. Make us mature in all our attitudes to life, we pray.
3. Make us mature in all our relationships and dealings with others, O Lord.
4. Make us mature in how we use our tongue and speak to others, both to believers and non-believers, we pray.
5. Make us mature in our service and ministry for you, both inside and outside the church, O God.

23rd - 1 Corinthians 14:21-25 The reality of God amongst us

1. Lord, as we seek to put the glory of Christ first in all our meetings, may your presence be evident amongst us.
2. We pray for all our Sunday meetings, that the Holy Spirit will move amongst us in power, convicting of sin, and causing all to walk righteously before God.
3. Holy Spirit, we pray that you would move amongst us in our meetings in signs, wonders and miracles.
4. Rise up in our midst, O Lord, and let all your enemies be scattered as you build your church.
5. Send revival to our church, our borough, our city and our nation, O God.

24th - 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 Strengthening the church

1. We pray for all in our midst who are feeling weak spiritually; strengthen them, O Lord.
2. We pray for all those in the church who are feeling discouraged because of their job or business situation; encourage their hearts, O God.
3. We pray for all those amongst us who are feeling discouraged because of situations in their home; encourage their hearts, O Lord.
4. We bring before you, O Lord, all those in the church who are feeling weak emotionally; build them up in you, we pray.
5. For all those we know who are struggling to attend church for whatever reason, help and encourage their hearts, O Lord, so that their spirits may not become cold.

25th - 1 Corinthians 14:29 Weighing words carefully

1. Give us the desire to spend time waiting on you, O Lord, so that when we speak your Word, we are truly led by your Spirit.
2. Give us the discernment to know when people speak to us, whether it is from the Spirit of the Lord or from the human mind.
3. In all we do, teach us to weigh our words carefully, realising that once spoken they cannot be retrieved.
4. Teach us to think before we speak, O Lord, so that we never regret a word spoken in haste.
5. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing in your sight, O Lord our God.

26th - 1 Corinthians 14:30 Revelation from God

1. Give us revelations of yourself, O Lord, to us as individuals and as a church; revelations that will change us.
2. Give us revelations, O Lord, that will show us the direction you want each of us to take, so that we may fulfil your will, for our lives.
3. Help us to know the mind of Christ, we pray, so that our lives can be daily lived according to your will.
4. Direct our paths and our footsteps, O God; may we be led by your Spirit.
5. Reveal to us the plight of the lost, O Lord, so that we may understand and have an urgency in all our witnessing to them.

27th - 1 Corinthians 14:31 Encouraging one another

1. Lord, help us to encourage one another to achieve our maximum impact for Christ on the society in which we live.
2. May we encourage one another to be effective witnesses for Jesus; anoint us mightily as we share our faith with others.
3. Make us fruitful as ambassadors and ministers for Christ, having the joy of leading others to Christ.
4. We pray for all those who go out on the streets to witness for Christ; give them divine appointments with those whose hearts are ready to receive Christ.
5. We pray that we may each see signs and wonders, especially as we witness outside the church, with salvations, healings and all manner of answers to prayer.

28th - 1 Corinthians 14:32 Self-control

1. Teach us the godly disciple of self-control in all things, O God.
2. Give us self-discipline in every area of our devotional life, O Lord, so that we continue to grow and mature in Christ.
3. Give us a sanctified commonsense whenever we seek to use any of the gifts of the Spirit, we pray.
4. May we always yield to your will, Holy Spirit, and not led by our human emotions.
5. Holy Spirit, teach us to learn to recognise when you are speaking to us, and to always be obedient to your voice, we pray.

29th - 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Maintaining the peace of God

1. Teach us the difference between merely peace keeping and peace making, O Lord, and may we always be proactive to bring about the genuine peace of God between believers.
2. Quell within us, O Lord, any desire to be contentious, but instead to look to the good of others.
3. For any amongst us who are out of relationship with a brother or sister in Christ, cause them to take the steps necessary to bring the peace of God into that situation.
4. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify each of us through and through.
5. May the God of peace soon crush satan under our feet.

30th - 1 Corinthians 14:36-40 No disorder

1. Teach us how to be people who can always worship in a fitting and orderly way, just as you instruct us, O Lord.
2. As we seek to worship you in an orderly way, may we not become so rigid that we fail to give room for you to work amongst us, Holy Spirit.
3. Lead us in our times of collective worship, Holy Spirit, we pray, so that we can bring glory to Jesus however you desire us to do so in any of our meetings.
4. Give us respect for one another and for the structures and authority you have placed in your church, O God, so that the devil may gain no foothold in our midst.
5. As we worship together, may we always lose sight of ourselves and instead see only Jesus and his glory, we pray.