Day 221: Present in Spirit

9 Aug, 2020

The Daily Word: Sunday, August 9th, 2020
Ezra 8:21-9:15
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 21:1-2
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ… – 1 Cor. 5:3-4a

Paul was not physically present in the church at Corinth. That’s why he was writing them a letter instead of just speaking to them face to face! But notice that Paul said he was still “present in spirit” (v. 3) while he was physically absent. Even when Paul wasn’t in Corinth, his spirit still gathered with the church every time they met (v. 4)! Paul led in such a way that even when his body was absent, his spirit was present. So what does it mean to be “present in spirit?”

Paul was constantly in prayer for the people he led. To be present in spirit is to make your presence known through prayer. Are you a leader in your faith community? Your most important priority is to pray for the people in your church. Are you a parent? The most urgent item on your to-do list is praying for your children! Are you a husband? The best way you can utilize your time is by praying for your life.

To be present in spirit is to constantly lift others up in prayer. Who needs your prayers today? Are you willing to drop whatever you’re doing and be “present in spirit” with him?

Prayer:

Father, thank You that there is no distance in the spirit. Even when I am physically separated from the people I love, I can be present in spirit. Help me to take my responsibility to pray for them seriously in Jesus’ name!

Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.

© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.