Covenant Theology Conference Prayer Day 3- Praying for Christ to dwell in our hearts: Developing and Deploying Gifts that Christ may dwell richly in us. See part 1 and part 2 here.

In Ephesians, Paul demonstrates a glorious prayer that we can use a model as we pray for one another Christ to dwell in one and another hearts.

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph 3:14-21 ESV)

Paul teaches that this will be realized as foundational extraordinary gifts (apostles and prophets) and later ordinary gifts (evangelists, pastors, and teachers) are faithful in the use of their gifts. Pray for your pastor and for our speaker: Dr. Mark McDowell, this weekend.

“7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” (Eph 4:7-13 ESV)

Not only is this prayer answered through pastors but through every member’s development and deployment of his or her gifts: ”

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. “(1Co 12:27-31 ESV)

Pray that each member of our church will develop and deploy his or her gifts for the glory of Christ in the service of one another! We may not have the extraordinary gifts of prophecy, tongues, or healing, but who among us cannot help? Peter exhorted the church to that end:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (1Pe 4:10 ESV)

May our Covenant Lord make us to desire these things even more and may our prayers be brought into conformity with His will (see this summary of prayer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q. 98. What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

Scriptures cited: Ps. 62:8; 1 John 5:14; John 16:23; Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4; Phil. 4:6.

Thank you for participating in this ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Norman!

Schedule:

Saturday: 5:15-5:30 pm

Registration. 5:30-7:00 pm Lecture and Q&A on Saturday at the Memorial Union, 2nd Floor, 700 Asp.

Park in the garage just North of the building or on the street to the east of the building. There are elevators and stairs inside the building to take you to the meeting space. Following the lecture, all are invited to walk over with us to Pepe Del Gado’s on campus corner for informal conference activity.

Sunday: Sunday School with Dr. McDowell, 9:30-10:15 428 W. Lindsey.

Worship with Dr Mark McDowell preaching, 10:30-Noon.

Lunch at 428 W Lindsey, following the service.