Jesus,
You gave your children authority to make disciples, cast out evil spirits, and heal every illness and disease. You said we would do greater things than you did - and you are GOD! Yet parts of your Church often stumble about as if confused by your instructions - or uncaring in a world that needs your healing, freedom, and Good News. Convict us when we are only lukewarm Christians. Instead, ignite the Holy Spirit's fire within all aspects of your Church so that we can fulfill what you have called us to be and to do. Let us not be half-hearted, fooling about with "church as normal," when this world today needs Jesus-followers to tell the Good News of Great Joy your birth, death, resurrection, and rule and reign. Pour out your Spirit's Power on your people so the world sees "signs and wonders" that point them to You, Messiah, Healer, Lord, and Savior. In your powerful name we pray, Amen.
"Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness...As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:1, 7)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20)
"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:30)
"These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." (Rev. 3:14-19)
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
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