As we begin a new week, could we spend a few moments in prayer together? Let's turn our eyes first of all to Jesus Christ, at God's right hand, occupying a position of absolute authority, saying to us as he did 2,000 years ago, "All authority is mine, in heaven and on earth." It is God's will that every knee should bow to Jesus, of every race and every nation and every religion and every culture. Is that our desire as we begin this new year? Do we have a share in this global mission, that Jesus Christ might be given the glory he is due? Then let's pray for the world, beginning here at home in North America, where there's so much nominal Christianity. Let's pray for a renewal, a reform, a revival in the churches in the U.S. and Canada as well in Latin America and Europe. Let's pray for the millions of Africans who are becoming Christians every year. Let's pray that the process may continue, that God would raise up leaders in the church. Let's pray for the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity. It is God's will that every Muslim knee should bow to Jesus. It's his will that the Gospel should penetrate into Hindu India and Buddhist Sri Lanka, into Myanmar, into Thailand, even into China, where one fourth of the world's population reside and where believers still meet secretly. Let's pray that these Christians will be given courage and confidence. May the Holy Spirit move mightily in these countries and continents and others I haven't mentioned.
Lord Jesus, fill your witnesses with the power of the Spirit, that they may bear witness to you with courage and with power. We ask it for the glory of your great name. Amen.