Today I offer a prayer for combatting apathy (what the Bible calls being lukewarm) – lacking passion and zeal for the Lord and His will. It’s easy for us to call ourselves Christ followers, yet we can become complacent and lack any real kingdom influence. We’re not intentionally disobeying God, yet we can become lazy in our obedience.
Father God, our Divine Creator and Sovereign Lord, we praise Your holy and righteous name. Thank you for giving us instructions through Your Word and Spirit that we may know Your will. Father You say that if we are lukewarm / apathetic, neither hot nor cold, that You will spit us out. You caution us not to be slothful or lazy in our zeal to serve You, but fervent and passionately motivated to obedience. You say that when we know the right thing to do, and choose not to do it, that is sin for us. There will come a time where You will seek out the complacent and punish them for lack of adherence to Your commands. You encourage us to wake up, strengthen ourselves in You, and not leave any of Your callings incomplete before we leave this earth. Please teach us to make the best use of our time because the days are easily spent in fleshly / evil ways. May we put on Your word like armor to protect us against evil temptations / attacks, while You also equip us to perform the critical work of Your kingdom, such as sharing Jesus’ gospel. Would You please fill us with Your perfect and complete love, so we may love our neighbors in a genuine way. May we avoid doing evil, hold fast to what is good, and actively love each other with brotherly affection. May we compete to be as honorable as possible. May we rejoice in our hope in You, be patient in times of trial, contribute to others needs, show hospitality, and remain constant in prayer. May we do these things for Your glory, honor and praise, forever and ever, amen.
[Inspired by: Rev 3:16, Rom 12:11, Jas 4:17, Zep 1:12, Rev 3:2, Eph 5:16, Eph 6:10-12, Rom 12:9-13]
~ Conqueror in Training