For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 

 

God made us for Himself and fashioned within us a deep need for fellowship. As Christ-followers our spiritual growth and strength is very much connected to coming together with other believers for mutual encouragement. Certainly the apostle Paul knew this and expressed his longing to fellowship with the believers in Rome that both he and they might be spiritually encouraged.

 

Yet the sin nature tempts us to isolation. Living apart from Christ’s body of believers for any length of time makes us spiritually vulnerable to the evil one’s attack. We need the spiritual gifting of each other to sharpen and strengthen us.

 

As the Lord said after creating Adam, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). We all need the mutual encouragement of fellowship.

 

Prayer Points

 

1. Father, Help us to recognize the importance of community in our spiritual growth and to seek out opportunities to gather together in Your name.

 

2. Father, wake and cultivate the spiritual gifts within us. 

 

3. Father, we come against the spirit of isolation that seeks to separate us from the community of believers. Help us to resist the temptation to withdraw and instead, seek the support and strength found in fellowship.

 

4. Father, empower us to use our words and actions build up the faith of our brothers and sisters, and may we be open to receiving encouragement in return.

 

5. Father, give us the courage  not to hide our struggles or weaknesses, but instead, share them so that we may pray and uplift one another in love.

 

6. Father, help us stand strong as one body, supporting each other in times of need and rejoicing together in times of victory.

 

7. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully among us, bringing healing, transformation, and a deeper understanding of Your will.

 

8. Father, teach us  not seek to be served, but to serve, following the example of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served.

 

9. Father, guard us from the attacks of the enemy that seek to sow division, discord, and isolation among us.

 

1. Father, Help us to recognize the importance of community in our spiritual growth and to seek out opportunities to gather together in Your name.

 

2. Father, wake and cultivate the spiritual gifts within us. 

 

3. Father, we come against the spirit of isolation that seeks to separate us from the community of believers. Help us to resist the temptation to withdraw and instead, seek the support and strength found in fellowship.

 

4. Father, empower us to use our words and actions build up the faith of our brothers and sisters, and may we be open to receiving encouragement in return.

 

5. Father, give us the courage  not to hide our struggles or weaknesses, but instead, share them so that we may pray and uplift one another in love.

 

6. Father, help us stand strong as one body, supporting each other in times of need and rejoicing together in times of victory.

 

7. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully among us, bringing healing, transformation, and a deeper understanding of Your will.

 

8. Father, teach us  not seek to be served, but to serve, following the example of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served.

 

9. Father, guard us from the attacks of the enemy that seek to sow division, discord, and isolation among us.