Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Intention

To fervently desire to see the Church ready for Jesus’ soon coming, presented like a bride for her groom.

Scripture

“Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless.”

– Ephesians 5:26–27

“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

– 2 Corinthians 11:2–3

Reflection

The Bible often speaks about what is called ‘the Christian life’. However, we find that it places a great emphasis, not so much on how we start, but on how we finish.

As a young man, Saul of Tarsus had an interesting introduction to Christianity. He had been “ravaging the church”, entering entering “house after house, dragging off men and women, and putting them in prison” (Acts 8:3).

But as an old man, Paul found himself in an underground dirty dungeon, most likely awaiting his death by decapitation (2 Timothy 4:6). He would soon become a martyr.

Saul the persecutor became Paul the persecuted, who gladly “endured all things” for the sake of the Church (2 Timothy 2:10).

If this transformation seems like it’s out of this world, it is.

Once Paul was confronted with the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, he was radically changed by the love of God. And in response to this great love, he became completely sold out to this vision: preparing Church like a bride for Christ’s soon coming.

Paul shared the gospel wherever he went, earnestly desiring people to trust in Christ for everlasting life. But he also longed for believers to grow in Christ so they would be presented holy, blameless and mature in Christ at his coming (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Colossians 1:28).

Like a bride beautifully prepared on her wedding day for her groom, the Church has been ‘betrothed’ to Christ. No other lovers are allowed. We are to live for an audience of one.

Yet, when Christ comes, what kind of Church will he find?

As we pray this October, there are many who are disillusioned with God and the Church. Some have been burnt — badly. Others have walked away from the faith. Then there’s the temptation to let brotherly and sisterly love grow cold, perhaps due to resentment or unforgiveness lying buried below the surface.

How we can we foster a passion for the Church, despite all her past failings, and persevere for a brighter future? And if we suffer for the cause of Christ, how is it we can prevent ourselves from losing heart? From being “afflicted in every way, but not crushed”? (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).

We are given the answer: “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

Christ is coming soon for the Church, when he will establish his eternal kingdom of everlasting righteousness and peace. We can’t see this, because it hasn’t happened. Yet.

But fixing “all our hope” (1 Peter 1:13) on this certain future, let’s pray for Jesus’ resurrection power to strengthen us to help each other in this great race of faith (Colossians 1:29). Let’s build each other up into mature believers, so we can be presented like a bride for our groom.

If we’ve not started well, stumbled along the journey, or haven’t even begun our race, let’s remember this: how we finish is more important than how we start. Sauls can become Pauls.

Let’s finish our race of faith well, with a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Video

Note: This song is in two parts. The second video will play automatically after the first one.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Messiah, we ask for a refreshed vision of our certain hope: life forever in your eternal kingdom. Fix our affections on your soon coming and give your Church a holy, fervent desire to be presented as a glorious bride, beautifully dressed for you.

Fill us with your love and desire for the Church, so we can endure all things, build others up into maturity in Christ, and run our race for the glory of God.

For your kingdom, power and glory, amen.

Author Bio

Samuel lives with his wife and three young children in South Australia. He is fascinated by the impact of worldview and enjoys exploring how Christian faith relates to every area of life. An emerging writer and journalist, he has a background in the biological and geological sciences, ministry, and theology.

Prayer Points for October 2025

1. God to pour out his blessing and Spirit on every church in Australia and its leaders. Hebrews 13:7
2. All churches in Australia to grow in Christlikeness and win people to Christ. Acts 6:7
3. Widespread adoption of Reaching Australia 2033 and its plan to activate every believer in personal evangelism. Acts 1:8
4. Revival for Australia and for millions to come to Christ. Isaiah 64:1–2

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

Sign up to receive daily devotions during October in your inbox (and find extra info) here.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

DATES: Every night from Wednesday, 1 October to Friday, 31 October

TIME: 8 pm AEDT; 7:30 pm SA; 7 pm QLD; 6:30 pm NT; 5 pm WA

ZOOM URL LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184

ZOOM TUTORIAL: youtube.com/watch?v=pAMDxH_H_Cs

View all Prayer for the Church October 2025 devotionals

Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.

___

Photo via Adobe.