Arise Africa Devotional Sample

Day 1: Unity and Diversity in the Body

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it." (1 Cor 12:12-26 NIV)

Devotional Reflection

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he mentions Epaphras, a faithful believer who “is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Col 4:12-13). Paul describes Epaphras' prayers as hard work—a spiritual battle fought on behalf of others.

Just as Epaphras laboured in prayer for the early believers, we too are called to intercede for our brothers and sisters facing persecution. They are not distant strangers; they are part of the same body of Christ that we belong to. When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer—because we are one family, one Church.

The unity of the Church is essential in standing against persecution. When we allow division to take root, we become distracted and lose focus on what Christ is calling us to do. But when we stand together in prayer, the power of God moves through us to strengthen those in need. Jesus Himself takes persecution personally, as we see in His words to Saul:
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5).

God has given His Church incomparable power (Eph 1:19) to support and uphold one another. This power is not just for miracles—it is also for prayer, submission, unity, and action.

What does this power of God do through His body?
It calls us to surrender and submit to Jesus Christ, the head of the Church. Before we act, we must first bow before Him in prayer, asking for His guidance. It convicts us to confess and repent of any division. Just as a small stone creates ripples in water, division weakens the body of Christ, making us ineffective in prayer. Today, take a moment to reflect:

• Have you ever contributed to division in the Church, knowingly or unknowingly?
• How can you actively pursue unity in the body of Christ?

Application: How to pray today

Step 1: Surrender & submit
Begin by acknowledging Jesus as the head of the Church. Ask Him to lead your prayers and actions.

Step 2: Confess & repent
Pray for forgiveness for any way you’ve contributed to division in the Church.

Step 3: Intercede for the persecuted church

• The Church in Sub-Saharan Africa: Pray for believers to be united, aware of the persecution around them, and resilient in their faith.
• The Global Church: Ask God to awaken the worldwide Church to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians.
• Open Doors & frontline teams: Pray for wisdom, protection, and unity among those working to support suffering believers through training, Bible distribution, relief aid, and trauma care.

Step 4: Stand in unity
Your prayers today matter. Just as Epaphras laboured in prayer, your intercession is a powerful tool in strengthening the suffering Church.

May we stand firm together.

Want to take further action?
Learn more about Arise Africa & sign the petition

In unity,
The Open Doors Team