BASIC SCRIPTURE 19th February 2025 PRAYER & DECLARATION
BASIC SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-18 (KJV)
Passage:
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
PRAYER FOR 1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-18
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your guidance on the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues. We ask for wisdom to discern how these gifts can best serve the body of Christ and bring unity and edification to Your church. May our focus always be on building one another up in love and truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
DECLARATIONS BASED ON 1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-18
- Declaration of Purposeful Communication:
I declare that my communication, whether in prayer, teaching, or worship, will always aim to edify others and bring clarity rather than confusion. I will strive to speak words that are easy to understand and meaningful to those around me. - Declaration of Unity in Diversity:
I declare that the diversity of spiritual gifts in the church is a reflection of Your rich provision. I will celebrate and value each gift, ensuring that they all work together harmoniously for the common good. - Declaration of Balanced Worship:
I declare that my worship will engage both my spirit and my understanding. Whether praying, singing, or giving thanks, I will seek to involve my whole being in honoring You, ensuring that my expressions of faith are meaningful and impactful. - Declaration of Edification:
I declare that every word spoken in the church will contribute to the growth and strengthening of believers. I will prioritize the needs of others, ensuring that all activities and practices align with the goal of building up the body of Christ. - Declaration of Humility and Zeal:
I declare that I will approach spiritual gifts with humility and zeal, seeking to excel not for personal gain but for the benefit of the church. Like Paul, I will use my gifts responsibly and generously, always pointing others toward You.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- How can I ensure that my use of spiritual gifts, including prayer and worship, serves to edify others rather than draw attention to myself?
- In what ways can I balance the expression of my spirit with the engagement of my understanding in my personal and corporate worship?
- How can I contribute to creating an environment in the church where all gifts are valued and used effectively for the common good?
Let us embrace the teachings of this passage and commit ourselves to using our gifts in ways that honor God and uplift His people. Amen.
