Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, as he works among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever.
[Excerpted from Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message and Beliefs, 4th Ed., Herald Publishing House, 2018, pp. 34–35]
The gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ: forgiveness of sin, and healing from separation, brokenness, and the power of violence and death.
This healing is for individuals, human societies, and all of creation This new life is the loving gift of God’s grace that becomes ours through faith and repentance.
Baptism is how we initially express our commitment to lifelong discipleship. As we yield our lives to Christ in baptism, we enter Christian community (the body of Christ) and have the promise of salvation.
We experience salvation through Jesus Christ, but affirm that God’s grace has no bounds, and God’s love is greater than we can know.
Prayer Phrase
“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).
Spiritual Practice
The Jesus Prayer of Mercy
The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.