his week in We Have A Part To Play, we’re talking about defining the relationship we wrestle with when it comes to our bodies.
Paul presses the question in 1 Corinthians 6—one the Corinthians needed then, and one our culture needs just as much today:
What is a body for?
Corinth believed the body was theirs to use however they wanted. And honestly, our culture isn’t far off.
We swing between idolizing the body—through filters, fitness, and attention—or neglecting the body—through compromise, addiction, or carelessness.
However, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6 that our body is not our own, but it was bought with a price.
Jesus paid that price by shedding His blood, breaking His body, and rising again so we could know life to the fullest.
And because He did, now, His Spirit dwells in us, making our bodies temples of His presence.
That truth calls us to flee the ditches of judgment, compromise, and neglect, and invites us to delight in the freedom and love God intended for our bodies from the very beginning.
So as we pray this week, let’s make it personal:
—Where have you misused your body?
—Where have you believed lies about its worth or purpose?
—Where do you need to return to Jesus and say again, “Lord, I am Yours”?
As we reflect upon those questions, let’s pray and believe for the following:
—Thank God for creating our bodies with purpose, and to see our bodies as His, not our own.
—Praise God that our bodies are not disposable but sacred.
—For freedom from addictions that dominate and distort God’s design for our bodies.
—For healing from shame and body judgment tied to body image.
—For sexual integrity and purity in singleness and in covenant marriage, fleeing from sexual compromise and immorality.
—For Jesus redeeming our bodies at the cost of His blood and body.
—To honor our bodies as temples of the Spirit, treating them with reverence and care.
—Pray against extremes of idolizing or neglecting our body.
—For healing and strength in sickness, trusting Christ’s promise of resurrection and wholeness.
—For Jesus’ freedom from sin’s power over our bodies, and the hope of resurrection and new life.
—For all generations to be freed from comparison and performance, finding true identity and freedom in Christ.
—For intimacy in marriage to be covenantal worship to God, not self-serving consumption.
—To glorify God with our bodies where we live, work, and play, bearing witness to Christ’s transforming love.
May we never forget: our bodies are not our own.
They belong to Jesus: bought with a price, filled with His Spirit, and forever marked by His love.
So may we turn from the ditches that drain us and step into the delight found only in Him.
It’s never too late to define the relationship that…
Jesus, we are Yours. Our bodies fully surrendered to glorify You until You make all things new, once and for all, forever.
See you at 7 pm!
God Bless,
Pastor Alvin & Mallary Brown
alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com
P.S. Is there something specific you need prayer for this week? Just drop us a comment, and we’d be honored to pray for and with you.