Five prayers to ask God to reduce bullying in your church

Peter Adam

Lord Jesus, you loved your church, and gave yourself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of water through the word, to present her to yourself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Make our churches holy by your cross and by your word; rid us of sin, cleanse and purify us by your blood, that we might live together for your glory, in purity and holiness. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you are gentle and humble in heart. Work your miracles of grace among us in our churches, that as ministers, leaders and people, we may in humility value others above ourselves, and clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, knowing that God opposes the proud, but shows favour to the humble. Amen.

Lord Jesus, prince of peace, may the spirit of justice and peace reign in our churches. Root out our sins of arrogance and pride, and bring us to repentance. May the fruit of the Spirit flourish among us, as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control abound. Hear us in your mercy and grace. Amen.

Gracious God, please grant us your heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peaceable, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. As you have promised, may peace-makers who sow in peace, reap a harvest of righteousness among us. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came among us as the suffering servant, and served us by your death on the cross, giving your life as a ransom for many. You dignified service, suffering, and self-denial. Help ministers, leaders, and members of our churches to follow your ways, and walk in your steps, as you came among us as one who serves. Amen.