Praise the Lord!
This morning, as we gather for Communion Sunday, I feel a strong burden to speak to us about identity and purpose. Before we approach the Lord’s table, I want us to look closely at what the Word of God says about who we are as believers — and what that means for how we live.
We begin with praise. I encourage everyone to lift up their voices in joyful worship. Too often we hold back — discouraged by our circumstances or weighed down by burdens. But Scripture commands us to shout to the Lord, to make a joyful noise in His presence. Praise isn’t just a feeling — it’s an act of faith. When we stand, kneel, raise our hands, or lift our voices, something shifts in the spiritual atmosphere. Our shout can break heaviness. Our worship, even in pain, can become our victory cry.
From there, the Lord draws me to remind the church of our true identity: we are a royal priesthood. First Peter 2:9 declares it — we are chosen, we are holy, we are royal, and we are priests. This is not just for pastors, elders, or church leaders. This is for every believer washed in the blood of Jesus. Each one of us is a priest unto the Lord, called to serve Him and represent Him in this world.
This priestly calling is not new. In Exodus 19:6, God tells Israel that they are to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. That same calling is extended to the Church today — the spiritual Israel. We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light, not just to enjoy the light, but to declare His praises and carry out His purposes.
So what does it mean to be part of this royal priesthood? We have a responsibility to minister to God, our priestly duties to Him. In addition, as God’s priests on earth, we have a priestly responsibility for other people as well. Today, I want to talk about those responsibilities. The Lord puts three key responsibilities on my heart — three ways that we live out our priestly role:
1. We Pray.
Prayer is our first and most essential duty. Jesus teaches us to pray always and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Paul commands us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). As priests, we are called to stand in the gap — for our families, our church, our communities, and even for strangers.
Prayer isn’t limited to a set time or place. It’s a posture — a lifestyle. I tell the church that one preacher once said, “I never pray more than 30 minutes, but I never go 30 minutes without praying.” That kind of constant communion with God is what we’re after.
We’re also called to pray for all the saints — not just ourselves. Ephesians 6:18 says to pray with all kinds of prayers, at all times, with all perseverance, for all the saints. When someone asks for prayer, don’t just say “I’ll pray for you.” Actually stop and pray. And then follow up with encouragement. Let people know they are being lifted up — it brings strength and hope.
2. We Prophesy.
When we hear the word “prophecy,” many people immediately think of predictions about the future. But the New Testament shows us that prophecy in the church is about edifying, encouraging, and comforting others (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Every Spirit-filled believer can walk in this. If you’re listening to the Lord, He will give you words to build others up. This might happen through a conversation, a prayer, a message, or even a text. The Lord often speaks through His people — not always with thunder, but with quiet, Spirit-led words that bring peace, strength, and direction.
We must speak words that lift people, not tear them down. We don’t always know what others are going through, but God does — and He can use us to minister deeply if we’re willing and attentive. Let us be people who speak life, who point others to Christ, and who remind them of God's faithfulness.
3. We Proclaim the Gospel.
The final priestly responsibility is to proclaim the good news. In Romans 15:16, Paul says he has received a priestly duty to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. That same duty is now ours. Evangelism is not just for the few — it is for every royal priest.
We don’t need to have a seminary degree to share Jesus. We simply need to be willing. It could be a conversation with a neighbor, a word to a co-worker, a Scripture given to someone on the street, or a prayer offered for someone in pain. The world is desperate for hope — and we carry the message of eternal hope.
I remind the church of a man who gave gospel tracts and the Gospel of John wherever he went — in taxis, at restaurants, in stores. His life reminds me that it’s not about perfection, but about intentionality. It’s never too late to begin. If you haven’t shared the gospel in years — start now. The time is short. The need is great.
A Church of Priests
I tell the church — I don’t want us to be known for slick programs or polished sermons. I want us to be known as a people of prayer, a church that speaks life, a community that carries the gospel. Let us be faithful priests. Let us use our time, our gifts, and our words to serve both God and people.
We are not just waiting for heaven. We are working until He comes. We don’t know when our time will be up — but as long as we are here, we are on assignment. Let us not waste the privilege of being priests unto God.
So I declare again — I am a priest unto the Lord.
And I remind the church — You are priests unto the Lord.
Let us pray.
Let us prophesy.
Let us proclaim.
All for His glory. Amen.