1 Corinthians 14:12 – So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
O Spirit, I long for your gifts. I want to be an evangelist like Paul. I want to be a speaker like Peter. I want to be more compassionate. I want to be able to give more to those in need. I want to be better at all those things and more. I long for your fruits. I long, O Spirit of God, to be full of love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and goodness, gentleness and self-control. Pour yourself out on me, O Holy Spirit, by your holy Word that I might be gifted by you in just the right way to serve as a member of Christ’s body. Make me the best body part I can be. And, I pray, also teach me contentment and even joy to serve with the gifts you have given me. Help me find joy in who you have made me to be and how you have gifted me to serve. And whatever gifts you have given me, O Spirit, help me to use them to build up the body of Christ, to strength and edify her, so that all of us are growing up into Christ, who is our head. Pour yourself out on me, O Spirit, that I might be part of the way you build up the church. Amen.