Week 6: The Body of Christ – The Church in Our Nation

April 5, 2025

Week 6: The Body of Christ – The Church in Our Nation

I truly believe the most powerful institution in the world is the CHURCH!

The Church can also be seen as the body of Christ, the living and lively organism, the universal body bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. There is one Church: the invisible, universal, eternal, living organism comprising all the redeemed, called out, all over the world, with Jesus Christ as the Head.

Eph 4:4-6 – There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, there were approximately 47,300 Christian denominations or rites as of mid-2023, with projections suggesting this number could reach 49,000 by 2025 and 64,000 by 2050. Other sources have reported figures such as 45,000 denominations. These variations often result from differing criteria for what constitutes a distinct denomination and the inclusion of independent or non-denominational congregations. This gives us an idea why it is so crucial we continue to pray for the Body of Christ, of which each local Church, including OLCC, plays a major role.

Monday 7th April – Thanking God for the Body of Christ

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God – Philippians 4:6

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile – Romans 3:22

Let us thank God for Jesus Christ for making the ultimate sacrifice in giving His life for and cleansing our sins so we are made righteous through faith.
The body of Christ encompasses the powerful and diverse denominations across the world. Let us thank God for giving us as a gift to each other, a gift that is given by God to function differently and bless each other.
Let us thank God for the kindness, compassion, and families that we’ve been added to for support spiritually, emotionally, financially, and mentally. We thank God for the friendship and great support network, and for OLCC being a wonderful expression of that.
Let us thank God for the wonderful good work carried out by the Church over the decades that has been done across the world, of which we are all beneficiaries one way or the other. The early church fathers, God’s generals spanning several decades.
Let us thank God for missionaries who have devoted their lives to God and taking the good news to the utter most part of the world.
Let us thank God for those due to their sacrifice, we have access to the word and enjoying freedom of worship.
Let us thank God for theologians who continue to make the word of God relevant, and the archaeologist who spends time authenticating the stories and sites.
Let us thank God for all the staggering 49,000 denominations globally. These various denomination have made it possible for some people to come to the faith.
Let us thank God for the persecuted churches and various organisations supporting them.
Let us thank God for the Bible Society that continues to print the Bible and make it available to everyone; and remaining the bestselling book in the world.
Let us thank God for believers and intercessory ministries praying for the Body of Christ always, like Prayer Bootcamp for all Nations, OLCC and others.

Tuesday 8th April – Ecumenical Gathering and Growth

Followers of Jesus span the globe. However, the global body of more than 2 billion Christians is separated into thousands of denominations: Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Apostolic, Methodist—the list goes on. Hence, the importance of praying for unity.

Psalm 133:1-3 NKJV

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

²It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
³It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.

Prayer for Unity in Ecumenical Gatherings: We agree with what we say about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, which is one thing that binds us together even when our worship styles or doctrines differ. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3… We pray that every individual make every effort to walk in unity, promote unity and have conversations that ignite unity.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5. We pray for wisdom from above to walk together despite our differences.
Prayer that we will not disagree like unbelievers but offer opinions, thoughts, and correction with love. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:6
Prayer for Growth in Ecumenical Relationships. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! – Psalm 133:1
Prayer for Effective Collaboration in Mission and Service Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. – Mark 16:15.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Prayer for Spiritual Growth through Ecumenism. I have learnt so much from ecumenical engagement, I have experienced different expressions of the working of the Holy Spirit, and it is so enriching. One of the blessings I have enjoyed came from intercultural church engagement and ecumenical relationships. For example, through my engagement with Quaker denominations and their worship, I learnt the power of SILENCE.
Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.– Matthew 5:9
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” – 2 Corinthians 5:19

Wednesday 9th April – The Body of Christ with the mandate to RESTORE, REBUILD & RENOVATE

You will be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community liveable again. Isaiah 58:12 MSG

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me into your home, I needed clothing and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you came to visit me, truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you did it for me” – Matthew 25: 35, 36 and 40.

Cornelius stared at him in fear. “what is it Lord, he asked?” the angel answered, “your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. – Acts 10 vs 4-8.

Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:36.

We pray that the Body of Christ will be compassionate just as our Father is.
We pray that the Oasis of Love Christian Centre will model compassion well, not just inter-church welfare but also to those in the community.
That the body of Christ will restore, rebuild, renovate and make communities liveable again.
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, may the community where OLCC is based not be consumed with lack, and other forms of injustice.
May the heart of members be opened to reach out to all people in the area with the GREAT LOVE of God in each one.
May the body of Christ begin to defend the weak fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed, rescue the needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked through holistic support.
Because of the JOY that was set before Jesus, he endured the cross, because of the JOY of souls out there, may the Church stretch itself to bless others.
May every denomination know the destiny plan of God where they are based.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. – Luke 4:18

Thursday 10th April – Church and Ministries Leaders modelling Jesus’s Leadership principles.

The Church is called the Bride of Christ, and Christ is declared the Head of the Church; His Bride. As individual believers and as the Church, we have an intimate relationship with Christ. This relationship is closer than an earthly husband-and-wife relationship.

And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. – 1 John 4:17

How did Jesus live?

RELATIONAL – He had excellent relationships with God and with people – We pray that our leaders will be relational.
PURPOSEFUL – He lived a life of purpose and focused on it till the end – Hebrews 12:1-4.
Our leaders will walk in the fullness of their purpose. Every OLCC member will live out their purpose as well.
Jesus was a great leader who led excellently and authentically. May all leaders lead excellently and authentically everywhere they go, and may men see their good works and glorify God.
SELFLESS and SACRIFICIAL and not self-seeking or selfish – pray that all our leaders and all followers of Jesus will be selfless and sacrificial in their dealings with one another and others.
Personified LOVE in its entirety – we pray that all our leaders and believers will continue to touch lives with the love of God poured out in them to others. Romans 5:5
He was HUMBLE –May all leaders remain humble and walk in humility in Jesus’ name.
SICKNESS FREE – we are image bearers, will live in wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken, free from infirmity in Jesus’ name.
SPIRIT FILLED – Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on His Church— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.
GRACE was upon Him – Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man. Our leaders walk in favour before God and man and doors open for us for ministry.
HE FINISHED HIS RACE – We pray that our leaders will run alone the race marked out for them and not run another person’s race in Jesus’ name.
HE LACKED NOTHING GOOD – we pray that all our leaders needs shall be met, they will lack nothing good.

Friday 11th April – Christ Centred Church

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 3:11

You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. – Matthew 16:16

Prayer for Christ to be the foundation of the Church.
Prayer that the Church be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, the true rock of salvation. May everything we do—our preaching, teaching, worship, and service—be grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Unity in love By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:35
Prayer for Christ’s Word to Guide the Church.
Pray that the Word of Christ dwell richly in us, guiding and directing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Let Your Scriptures be the ultimate authority in our lives and in our ministry, shaping our values, goals, and practices. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.– Psalm 119:105
Prayer for Christ to Be Glorified in All Things. In every area of the Church, Christ would be lifted high and glorified. Whether in worship, service, fellowship, or outreach, may we always point others to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Prayer for Christ’s Mission to Be the Purpose of the Church Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. – Matthew 28:19
Jesus, You commissioned the Church to go into all the world and make disciples. May our hearts be aligned with Your mission, to reach the lost, make disciples, and teach them to obey everything You have commanded.

Saturday 12th April – Prayer for CHURCH GROWTH

Church growth pioneers Donald McGavran and Winnifred once said that Church Growth is directly related to God’s will. … As Christians refine their methods, develop Church Growth eyes, feel Church Growth responsibility, communicate the gospel, and educate those who are won until they become responsible Christians, the church as a whole will receive the abundant blessing God wants to give.

Southern Baptist consultants Charles Chaney and Ron Lewis contend that “biblical principles provide the grounds for growing churches.” They list four such principles with biblical references to back their claims:

Growth is the work and will of God (1 Cor. 3:5-7) “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task.I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God
Pray that the body of Christ continues to grow
Growth is an innate quality of the church of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:20-22)
Growth is of the nature of the gospel (Col. 1:6)
Growth is characteristic of the churches of the New Testament (Acts 2:41; 4:4)

I also believe Church growth is the will of God for us and He is committed to bringing increase when we plant and water. We have to PLANT and WATER!

Colossians 1:1-6 NLT
This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace. We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

We pray for grace and peace to continue to plant and water for church growth numerically, spiritually and all.
People will hear of our faith in Christ Jesus and our love for all God’s people
The same good news we received must continue to spread everywhere through media, tract, social actions projects, door to door evangelism, healing crusades, revival meetings, prayer gatherings, faith in public life and in private life.
Pray for strategy for growth, there is a divine strategy for each area, each member, so we receive divine insights for growth.
Growth requires generosity of hearts – Proverb 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” Isaiah 32:8 NKJV “But a generous man devises generous things and by generosity they shall stand”
Isaiah 32:20 NIV “The Lordwill greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely”
“The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord” Acts 13:44! May the whole city come out to hear the word of God being preached through various channels, and may it lead to the salvation of souls in Jesus’ name.

Sunday 13th April – Prayer for full expression of Diversity of Gifts in the Body of Christ

Without these gifts, the church cannot expand.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (ESV)
¹²For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. ¹⁴For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? ¹⁸But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. ²¹The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²²On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, ²⁴which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. ²⁸And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. ²⁹Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Romans 12:3-8 (ESV)
³For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. ⁴For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

We pray for full expression of these gifts in believers across the world and OLCC members.
We pray more people discover their gifts and faithfully use them for God’s glory
We pray that we honour each other with our gifts
Let’s begin to call those gifts one by one and covet the one you want
May we enjoy the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in all our gatherings.

Victoria Lawrence, April 2025.

OLCC Admin