In the most basic terms, prayer is the communication link between followers of Christ and the triune God. From the instruction of Jesus in Matthew 6, we talk to our heavenly Father, and we do this through the name and authority of Jesus. The apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Rome explains that the Spirit assists with our communication effectiveness, providing clarity of meaning and earnestness of intent (Romans 8:26-27).
Returning to the words of Jesus, he says that our Father knows our needs even before we utter the words. So, if this is the case, why pray? The analogy that works for me involves the relationship I share with my wife, Susan. On Sunday May 13, 1984, I told her I loved her and made a binding covenant of marriage in front of the preacher and gathered crowd. My stated love for her and desire to share life together has not changed in 41 years, however, to express my love and to share my love means that she and I actively interact and communicate. Hearing, “I love you” daily does not get old. This is what prayer is — active participation with the God we love and rely on.
I do not know about you, but I am one who utilizes my prayer time talking to God about my biological family and their needs. I want them to be healthy and to find fulfillment in this life. And now that I have grandkids, my list of desires grows even longer. To avoid getting into a one-track mindset of seeking God as a protector and provider for the welfare of my family, I find the first three petitions of the Lord’s Prayer to bring me around to a more God-centered robust prayer life. “Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done.”
This opening statement deserves a pregnant pause. Proclaiming our heavenly Father’s name to be sacred and revered is a decisive choice to worship and bow down to him. Who is it with which we are talking? The eternal Father who lovingly sent his only, unique Son for our salvation, AND so that we have meaningful, vibrant relationship with the triune God. Therefore, to the all-knowing, perfect, eternal God of the universe – Hallowed be your name. (A good practice is to consider ways that you have experienced God and his goodness, then simply offer a prayer telling your Father what you admire and appreciate about him).
“Thy kingdom come.”
May the kingdom power and presence come into me, to my family, my church, my neighborhood, my country and to the entire world. We pray for the kingdom now as we live out our lives as kingdom citizens and representatives, and we yearn and groan for the fullness of the kingdom in Christ’s promised return.
“Thy will be done.”
It is embarrassing to consider how much of my prayer time is dedicated to express my thoughts, voice my desires, and seek my will. (Prayer easily becomes me-centric.) God patiently listens and allows me to go on explaining, negotiating, and pleading until I get to the end of myself. Prayer often feels like reasoning with God, and as you surrender to him in the worship experience of prayer you come to understand how he has been faithful to you, you then feel a sense of surrendering your best interest into his capable care. God is for you and coming to the realization that his will is perfect, whereas human will is limited and shortsighted. This is the relationship the Father desires with all his children.
In these three opening petitions of the Lord’s prayer, you notice the flow from who God is, to what God is doing in bringing his kingdom into place, and how he is intricately guiding the lives of you and me, the kingdom citizens. I find it incredibly inspiring to know that our heavenly Father, our big brother, Jesus, and the ever-present Spirit are attending and guiding this universal movement toward the culmination of Christ’s return and the establishment of the eternal kingdom of God. Praying the Lord’s Prayer is a kingdom Prayer, and it keeps you and me vigilant to who God is and what he is up to.
The Denominational Celebration will be held in Dallas, Texas, U.S. on July 23-26, 2026.
Kingdom Living is participatory, relational, and missional.
Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As citizens of the kingdom and co-laborers with Christ, we are sent into the world to reflect his light. Kingdom Living requires awareness of our calling and our context, seeing our neighborhoods, vocations, and even our sufferings as places where Jesus reigns and sends us.
Kingdom Living is not passive. it is a bold proclamation and a tangible demonstration. We not only speak of the reign of God, we show it. Our words align with our works. As image bearers, our relationships become a visible witness to the reality of the kingdom being ushered in.
During this gathering, we’ll explore what it means to live as kingdom people, active participants in God’s mission, deeply rooted in community, and shaped by the presence and authority of Jesus.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Let us pray continuously and joyfully as a united fellowship. Download the August prayer guide and pray with us as we celebrate and intercede how the Spirit is moving through GCI.
“God’s unfailing love and care allow me to face my anxieties with courage, and I hope to share this message of reassurance with others in ministry.”
We are excited to welcome Justin Dids Raduban, GCI’s Media Coordinator, to the Home Office team. With a decade of experience in media and a heart rooted in Christ, Justin brings creativity and structure to support our pastors and ministry workers worldwide.
Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that the gospel is for everyone — not just adults. We are compelled by God’s love to disciple the young people near us. Neighborhood camps are a wonderful opportunity for building friendships and discipleship. See below for resources for day camps.
Hosting a neighborhood camp is a powerful way for churches to embody and share the love of Christ with their neighbors. These camps create opportunities for children and families to experience the joy of community, engage with the gospel in tangible ways, and build lasting relationships. Whether your church is looking to start a new engagement or enhance an existing program, past camp curricula can serve as valuable resources to guide and inspire your efforts.
Kingdom Living looks like loving your neighborhood by putting down roots. It looks like displaying your commitment to your neighbors’ flourishing, serving their children over the long haul, year after year. Read below the stories of GCI congregations that are building lasting relationships with the young people in their communities.
Jacksonville, Florida, US
The Jacksonville congregation hosted its annual neighborhood youth camp, known as “Grace Camp 2025,” June 11–14.
Camp was attended by 35 youth and 20 adult staff. More than half of the participants were neighbors from the homes near our church building. We held daily chapel with a curriculum entitled “God’s Amazing Grace Changes Everything.” The four chapel lessons were: Grace changes …
Who you are
What you love most
How you live
Your eternal future
We provided three meals a day, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, a dance, skits and talent presentations, water balloon contests, a block party, and an inspirational movie with discussion. We also enjoyed outings to a U.S. Navy destroyer ship and museum and to Jekyll Island, G.A. Activities on Jekyll Island included a dolphin boat tour and visits to a water park, a pier, beach, and picnic areas.
GC Pasadena had a very successful day camp last Sunday. All our members were involved in inviting and praying for campers. Seventeen campers attended with 12 volunteers helping.
Our camp ran from 9 am–5 pm with lots of food for everyone. Our theme was “God Created Science,” and we offered many interesting science activities. We gave the campers gifts and certificates of attendance after our worship service. Our normal Sunday format was adjusted for the campers.
One mother commented, “I like your church, and I haven’t attended any for a long time. I will attend your church.” Another mother, who we met through our food distribution, came with her two children.
Depending on our budget, we are planning to do this twice a year. Please continue to pray that these kids with parents will all come to believe that they are included in the life and love of our triune God. You can see more pictures at our website, although they cannot capture the joy everyone felt during the camp. I wish you all could have witnessed it yourself.
To God be the glory. All praises belong to him.
Angie with her husband, Sadie, pictured in the camp photo booth
By Angie Tabin, Pastor Pasadena, California, US
Richardson, Texas, US
Thirty-one children enjoyed summer fun and learning life skills at Richardson Neighborhood Skills Camp (RNSC), “Wild Skills,” July 7–9. Twenty-six volunteers, including Grace Communion Richardson members and adult leaders from the congregation’s American Heritage Girls Troop, shared practical, artistic, and relational skills with campers. It was a friendly, high-energy atmosphere from 10 am–4 pm each day.
RNSC provides space for adults to share their hearts, skills, abilities, and talents with neighborhood children in a cross-generational, relationship-building environment. We pointed to Jesus within our four basic guidelines:
Love God
Love Others
Have Fun
Be Safe
In this third year of RNSC, skills included: first aid, robotics, soldering, sign language, graphic design, videography, bicycle and auto care, hospitality, and party planning. Using song and dance, our camp also featured the relational skills of teamwork, helpfulness, encouragement, perseverance, accountability, and courage.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, parents, and children has already created excitement for next year when RNSC is expected to increase the number of children served and further our neighborhood focus.
By Christine Ojih, Camp Director Richardson, Texas, US
Did you know that at Filipino gatherings, there’s always that last piece of food on the plate that no one wants to take? We call it the “piece of shame” or hiya. It’s not that no one wants it — everyone just feels it would be selfish to take the last piece of food. So instead, they leave it for someone else.
Could that simple cultural moment reflect the heart of Jesus?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4
That’s exactly what happens when we leave that last piece. It may seem small, but it’s a way of putting others first.
Jesus did that too — but in the most powerful way. He didn’t just give up a bite of food — he gave up his life. Jesus’ love is sacrificial. It gives, even when it costs something. And when we choose to be generous or put others first — yes, even with something as small as food — we’re reflecting a little bit of him.
So, next time you see that last piece of food, think of Jesus. Let it remind you to be someone who lives with humility, generosity, and love — not just at the dinner table, but in everything.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that even with this simple Filipino custom of hiya, we are reminded of your sacrificial and unconditional love for us. May we reflect more of your humility and generosity to others in our everyday lives. Amen.
By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader Bicol, Philippines
Matthew chapter 20 provides insight into the deep wells of the human heart.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:20–28
The first lesson is the desire of a mother for recognition and promotion of her two sons. Perhaps she was prompted by her sons to make this bold request. They had seen over and over how Jesus was receptive to women and the special relationship he shared with his own mother. Perhaps James and John thought, “How could he deny her this request?”
These ambitious brothers (the “sons of thunder,” as they were called) wanted to be the right-hand and left-hand men for Jesus, not just now, but for the eternal kingdom. It was a big ask. Jesus’ reply was rather gentle, but straight to the heart of the matter. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” He alluded to the cup of suffering and death. Maybe it’s my sports background, but the phrase, “no pain, no gain” keeps echoing in my head. These young men acknowledged that they could drink the cup.
James became the first disciple martyred in the early years of the Church. John did not die a martyr’s death, however, in his exile to the isle of Patmos, one legend says that he was thrown into a pot of boiling oil and survived. I wonder if this acknowledgement of agreeing to drink the cup frequently ran through their minds.
The over-the-top request of the brothers incited the other ten disciples. How could they make such a request? Who did they think they were? We can only imagine what was going on in the thoughts of the disciple, Simon, especially since Jesus had declared to him that he would now be called Peter (“little rock”) on whom Jesus would build his church. Surely, John and James were witnesses to that event.
So, after this spat of ambition and competition, Jesus gave direct instruction that his followers will not act in the worldly ways that are prevalent around them. Greatness will be found in a life of service, becoming as humble as a slave who washes the feet of others, and laying down one’s life for others — the ultimate sacrifice. Praise God that Jesus (100% God and 100% man) willingly laid down his life for all humanity. He drank the cup of all cups that guarantees our salvation and the covenant of better promises.
Service and sacrifice are markers of Kingdom Culture, not aggressive ambition and cutthroat competition. Jesus declared, “It will not be so among you.” He showed the way for any who follow in his steps — it is from a posture of humility and an outward devotion to serve others. We too must drink the cup as we join Jesus in his economy of service and sacrifice.
On Pentecost Sunday, two young men were baptized: Byanmungu Nene (24) and Baraka Matendo Makoti (15), the son of Pastor Makoti.
It was a beautiful baptism service, and we are grateful to God that he called them and that they said yes to Jesus Christ, their Savior!
Afterwards, Pentecost was celebrated with an estimated 80 people present. There was exuberant singing, including a large children’s choir — the roof almost came off from all the enthusiasm!
Before communion and a tasty meal, Kahindo Kasinde preached about Pentecost and the power of God. And Pastor Frans gave a short sermon on how to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself, led by the Holy Spirit. It was a special and encouraging day!
By Frans Danenberg, Elder Almere, Netherlands
Mexico City, Mexico
Earlier this year, Diana Zarate Contreras and Edgar Morales Calderón chose to be baptized at the conclusion of a conference for various congregations across Mexico. The conference fostered fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth. I officiated the baptisms with Alfredo Oloño, and it was a joyful and meaningful experience that will be cherished forever!
Our first encounter with Diana was during her daughter’s baptism in 2022, which sparked a meaningful connection. She soon became an active member of our church, with her heartfelt desire to follow Jesus growing stronger each day. Currently, Diana serves as an usher and aspires to become a children’s teacher. She remains committed to her spiritual growth through ongoing training and dedication.
Edgar Morales initially approached the church seeking marriage counseling with Alfredo Oloño. Through a period of counseling and discipleship, he made the decision to be baptized, openly confessing his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently, he serves in the Connection Group in La Paz, State of Mexico. He and his wife are students in the Ministerial Development Program (MDP) offered by Communion of Grace International (CGI, as GCI is known in Spanish). Both Edgar and his wife have demonstrated a faith truly worthy of their calling.
Dear GCI Family and Friends,
