For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. ~ I Corinthians 9:19

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” ~ Galatians 5:13-14

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. ~ I Thessalonians 2:8

Prayer:
Father we stand in awe of the riches of mercy and kindness that you have lavished on us. You are a gracious God, showing loving kindness to all of your creation by simply giving us life and breath. Father we praise you for the privilege we have to serve you, and to serve your body, the bride of Christ. Thank you Father that you know us intimately, all of our thoughts, desires, our deeds and even the number of our days are open and laid bare before you. Thank you Father that you have freed us from the bondage of sin and death, free to walk in newness of life as we serve you.

Father thank you that you have given us the perfect example of service over self in our saviour, in Christ, who did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but took the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Christ gave himself for an exceedingly sinful people- He gave Himself for us. Because of this sacrifice on our behalf we desire now to follow in His example, and be completely others focused, by your enabling grace. Even now we think of our missionaries and give you thanks for their example of faithful service, as many of them go into hostile lands, with uncertain circumstances, far from their own comforts and safety, all in an effort to serve your body faithfully.

Father we confess that we have often fallen short in following Christs example, we have often been selfish and sought our own good instead of seeking the good of others, would you please forgive us for that Father. We confess that we have often turned our freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, would you instead help us to serve one another through love. Father our affection for your people can sometimes wane, would you please help us to love others according to your word, with patience and kindness, give us greater and deeper affection for your people. Please help us to lay aside our own desires, and give us servant hearts so that in humility we would look not to our own needs, but to the needs of others.

Lord would you use our lives as a testimony of your glorious grace, to be a living picture of the gospel, so that sinners would be saved and saints sanctified. Give us idol to wield our freedom appropriately, to serve one another through love, giving no opportunity for the flesh and its lusts. Cause us to love our neighbours as ourselves, whether believing or unbelieving, that we would serve others generously- even at great cost to ourselves. Enable us to give our very lives in pursuit of serving Christ, that we would be completely devoid of self and completely filled with love for Christ that overflows into love and service of others. Please give us a willing and bold testimony, that we would be ready to speak of the mercies and excellencies of Christ. Lord we know that you are able to do exceedingly more than we could even ask or think, and we trust that you answer our prayers in faith.

Please glorify yourself in us and give us the strength to live lives of service, wholly pleasing to you. May you accomplish these things in our midst, for your names sake. Amen.

~ Sara B.