LEADER: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 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. First apostles — Open our eyes Lord to those amongst us who may have the gift to preach. Lead us to support, encourage and pray for these individuals as they heed the Lord’s calling.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Second prophets — Lord we are all called to be
prophets or disciples of Your Word. Daily encourage us to share Your Word of Salvation to all those searching for that inner peace which only our Saviour Jesus Christ can give.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Third teachers — Guide and strengthen those gifted to
teach Sunday school and VBS. Inspire those teaching in LCC parochial schools and seminaries and pastors as they teach us from God’s Word how to live the Christ-filled life. Give patience and understanding to parents and grandparents as they raise Your children in the faith.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Then miracles — Miracles occur around us every day.
Help us to see the job promotion or birth of a baby as the Lord’s miracle of love. Lead us to be a miracle of love in someone’s life, a meal delivered to a shut-in or busy mom or a gift card to a homeless person.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Then gifts of healing — Lord we thank and praise you
for those gifted in the field of medicine. Bless our doctors and healthcare professionals as they minister to the sick and look to You, the ultimate Healer of all physical and spiritual health.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Then the gift of helping — The gift of helping may seem
small and insignificant but those helping hands preparing a meal, running errands for shut in, babysitting or yard maintenance demonstrate God’s love for those around us and His presence in our daily living.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: Then administration — Routines would be chaotic if not
for those gifted with administration. Their skills enable others to have the financial support and focus of spreading the Good News of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
LEADER: And various kinds of tongues — Guide and inspire
those who have the gift of translating and interpreting languages. This unique ability brings the Gospel of the Lord to everyone in their own language. We pray especially for those developing French Sunday school curriculum for the LCC Francophone congregations and others around the world.
ALL: Christ lives in me, therefore I am honoured to serve.
Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
LWML PRAYER (IN PLACE OF COLLECT)
Lord God, You have made each person unique. You have given unique gifts to each of your unique people. We pray that each of us would use the gifts that you have given to us in service to You and to others, that we might be a blessing to people, a reflection of Your light and love in Christ to the world. As we observe LWMLC Sunday, may the Holy Spirit encourage us to use those unique gifts to Your Glory. Amen.