READ 1 Corinthians 1
Paul appeals for unity among the Corinthian believers.
 
INSIGHT
The Corinthian church had split into factions, following different leaders. Some said, "I follow Paul." Others said, "I follow Apollos." The most pious among them disdained to follow mere human leaders and said, "I follow Christ." Using the imagery of a farmer, Paul says, "I planted (brought the message of salvation), Apollos watered (taught you more advanced things), but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Pursue the work God has given us with all diligence. And then rest in the work of God.
 
PRAYER
Praise God for caring for the things that are out of your control:
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
Proclaim his deeds among the peoples.  
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
Tell about all his wondrous works!  
Boast in his holy name;
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice  
(Psalm 105:1-3).
 
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.  
Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;  
Do not let them rule me.  
Then I will be blameless
And cleansed from blatant rebellion
(Psalm 19:12-13).
 
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He is the Lord our God;
His judgments govern the whole earth.  
Remember his covenant forever —
The promise he ordained for a thousand generations
(1 Chronicles 16:14-15).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• The fruit of the Spirit in your life
• Those who minister in the inner cities
• Whatever else is on your heart

 
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice,  
And let them say among the nations,
“The  Lord reigns! ”
Then the trees of the forest
Will shout for joy before the Lord,
For he is coming to judge the earth
(1 Chronicles 16:31, 33).