One Heart - Power of the WordSample

THE POWER OF THE WORD

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17, ESV;

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV

God has given His Word as an instrument through which the Holy Spirit will bring the Church to final union with God and His purposes. The Word of God is the seed that produces spiritual fruit (Luke 8:11; 1Pet.1:23) and it is the sword of the Holy Spirit that is used against evil principalities and powers (Eph.6:17). Jesus commanded His followers to abide in His Word (John 8:31). The fruit of abiding in the Word of God is cleansing (Ps.119:9; John 15:3; Eph.5:26), revival (Ps.119:25), increase in faith (Rom.10:17); sanctification (John 17:17; Eph.5:26), deliverance (John 8:3; John 17:17) and a deep intimate relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:23). The Word of God must be engraved on our hearts through a divine operation.

CORPORATE PRAYER (Idealy)

In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God (John 1:1). By Your WORD the heavens were made (Ps.33:6). You uphold all things by the power of Your WORD (Heb.1:3). Forever, o LORD, Your WORD is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). Your WORD is alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb.4:12). Your WORD is like a fire and a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces (Jeremiah 23:29). Your WORD is the SWORD of the Spirit (Eph.6:17). Every WORD that goes out of Your mouth will not return to You void but will accomplish what pleases You and prosper in the thing for which You send it (Isa.55:11).

Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Give us a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know You (Eph.1:17). Your WORD is a lamp to our feet and light for our path (Ps.119:105). Direct our steps by Your WORD and let no iniquity have dominion over us (Ps.119:133). You have the WORDS of eternal life (John 6:68). We live from every WORD that comes from Your mouth (Deut.8:3; Matt.4:4). We have hidden Your WORD in our hearts that we might not sin against You (Ps.119:11). Cleanse us by Your WORD (John 15:3; Eph.5:26). It is Your WORD that heals us and delivers us from destruction (Ps.107:20).

The entirety of Your WORD is truth, all Your judgments endure forever and through Your Word we are sanctified (Ps.119:160; John 17:17). Your WORDS are pure, like silver tried in the furnace of the earth; purified seven times. (Ps.12:6; 2 Sam.22:31). Your law is perfect, converting the soul; Your testimony is sure, making wise the simple; Your statutes are right, rejoicing the heart; Your commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. By Your WORDS we are warned, and in keeping them there is great reward (Ps 19:7-11). Let Your WORD dwell richly in us so that we can teach and encourage others (Col.3:16) and overcome the evil one (1John 2:14). Establish Your Word in our cities and nations, let it grow mightily and prevail (Acts 19:20). "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the WORD of the LORD endures forever." (1 Pet 1:24-25).

BACKGROUND

The intention of this Prayer Guide is to allow you to spend time with God and to interact with Him concerning the prayer Christ prayed in John 17, "Father make them one". It is written for Christians who accept the authority of the Word of God, who have the desire to see the Kingdom of God established in their nations and who are willing to play their role in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).

John 17 was Jesus' prayer for His disciples the night before He was betrayed.It is still His prayer today.."Father make them one." We would like to encourage you to memorise the chapter of John 17 or at least the verses that speak to your heart this week, to pray it daily and to ask that Jesus' prayer would be fulfilled in you and through you.

You are joining Week 3 of a 7-week series (maybe start at Week 1 ONE HEART - FATHER LET THEM BE ONE that has been created on different aspects of becoming one. First becoming one with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Secondly, becoming one with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Jesus Christ, the Church. Thirdly, our role as peacemakers in the world around us. Daily prayer points focus first on our own individual lives (ME), then on the Church (US), and then on the world (THEM). Please read the devotion prayerfully, humbly and with an open heart.

As you pray through the different topics, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into the truth concerning your own heart; to bring conviction and to enable you to ask for forgiveness or extend forgiveness as is necessary; and to empower you to reconcile and bring healing and restoration to others.