Pastor Jay has been committed to unity and prayer for decades. In his travels and meetings with church leaders, he never fails to take away some of the rich message of John 17.
Renewal Prayer Network Executive Director Pastor Jay Richmond
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5 ESV
The New Year can be a time where people look to refocus. (Personally, I find I need to refocus all the time.) But that’s ok. I think of it of when Jesus said to deny myself, to pick my cross daily (Luke 9:23). That’s a refocusing. Or when Paul said “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31. That’s refocusing.
Does it take refocusing, on a daily basis, for us to be the Philippians 2 type of people? I believe that this is what Paul is referring to by having our minds transformed in Romans 12.
It is only when we have the same mind as Christ that we will be able to be one (John 17). Having the same mind as Jesus is becoming the answer to His priestly prayer. This remains my hope and prayer.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being patient with Your Bride the Church. Lord would you draw us into a deeper relationship with You that we would resemble You? Lord we renew our commitment to intercede for an awakening. We ask you for a gift of repentance for the world around us. We ask for a gift of repentance for the Church. Lord, let it begin with us.