But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2 Corinthians 8:7

Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale, Queensland (a suburb of Brisbane) has a marvelous sanctuary – they call it a chapel. The altar is in the center of a round altar rail with seating on three sides. But the most inspiring sight is the large cross above and behind the altar. It is a stark cross, really, that has the figure of Christ carved in it: arched back to us, arms outstretched and face looking upward. More than a crucifix, it is a statement of the Crucified One who is always interceding on our behalf before the Father.
It reminded me of all your prayers. One of the remarkable aspects of the ministry is that it always relies on the prayers of others. Disciples are praying people – and they pray for Christ’s Church wherever it is in the world. Your prayers for this work Chris and I are doing is a remarkable gift to us.
More than that, it is a gift to those with whom we come in contact. Pastor Robin Stelzer stood before nearly 300 mostly young people and shared that a congregation in the states, as well as others there, had not only shared their pastor but were praying for our time together. Then the vocalists and band began a traditional Australian Lutheran hymn followed by one of the contemporary hymns from Hillsong – an Aussie worship group.
What struck me were the number of young people who, after sharing the Lord’s Supper, knelt or sat near the altar in prayer.
And you were there – in the prayers we shared. You were there in the Sacrament and the various hymns. You were there when the Scripture was read, the sermon given and the Benediction pronounced. This is a work we share in the power of the Holy Spirit. The folks here in Queensland know that - and I want you to know it also.
That’s the invitation St. Paul shares with the Corinthian Christians in the passage above. No matter how strong our faith, how gifted our knowledge, earnestness and preaching (utterance) the love we share in Jesus Christ is global. This is the work we are invited into – and God will bless each of us and each congregation who share in it through prayer and faith.
Lord Jesus, remind us that your Spirit unites us with people around the world who share our faith. Help us to support and bless them. Amen