Regarding the body of Christ, it is no accident that the anatomical analogy describing the people of God is inexhaustible. How intricate and miraculous are the systems of the body! Not only is the body an organism of astounding functionality, it is also a regenerative system of restoration and equilibrium. When something gets broken, disheveled, out of balance, inflamed, infected, or otherwise discombobulated, the body snaps into action. The systems of seemingly infinite interconnected functions work together to reject any outside attack while tirelessly going about the business of healing and restoring whatever malady may have infiltrated. This is the proper and healthy corollary for the spiritual body of Christ!
Heavenly Father we beseech you to make us into a people that work tirelessly at the task of being a healthy body under your instruction. Lead us and show us how to tenderly and faithfully love one another, open up our hearts wide to one another, and restore one another in love. Let us leave space for grace, take up the nourishment of your truth, and receive the love of your spirit through the reconciliatory salve of time as we seek to bear fruit as those whose lives reflect the love of God…the love that is the power of God through the work of Jesus. Heal us, restore us, teach us to go about diligently the high calling of our daily work as we seek to know you more and make you known. Each of us so doing as we are alive and functioning in the work of the harvest as fully approved workers according to the measure of grace you have uniquely given to us for the building up of one another.