To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Pet. 1:1-2
Gracious Father, as the New Year is just underway, we praise you for the gift of community—for all its privileges and joys, challenges and complexities. We’re an elect people, not an elite people—a chosen people, not a choice people, and as such we’ll need all the grace you will give us to live and love to your glory this year. Bring much fame to yourself as you transform us and liberate us for your redeeming purposes.
May this be a year in which we re-engage with our corporate calling as your covenant people. Unless we are intentional about this, the sin in our hearts and the values of our culture will propel us even faster into a life of alienation and isolation, selfishness and cynicism. We’re not just individually your beloved sons and daughters; we’re your treasured family—brothers and sisters in Christ, destined for a life of perfect relationships in the new heaven and new earth. When life in the Body of Christ today seems crazy and pointless, may a vision of the people we will be one Day give us humility and patience inthis day.
You chose us by your foreknowledge, redeemed us by your Son, and set us apart by your Spirit. You’ve called us to demonstrate the reconciling and redeeming power of the gospel in cities and among the nations of the world. Indeed, you’ve called us to live as strangers in this world, not as strange people. If there’s to be anything offensive about us this year, may it primarily be the gospel of your grace.
Dear Father, renew and revitalize our churches, and help us plant new churches which make the gospel beautiful and believable. May we live as good citizens of heaven in the cities where you’ve placed us. May our neighbors be glad we are among them. May our communities be a better place to live because we are among them. Help us to offer a meaningful glimpse of the future we share because the gospel is true.
Lord Jesus, it’s only because you were obedient to death—even death upon the cross, that we can offer back an obedience of grateful faith. Live and love, in us and through us, all year long to your glory. Be magnified in our hearts, revealed in our cities, and revered among the nations of the world. So very Amen we pray, with great anticipation, in your most worthy name.
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