6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:1-11 is a central passage in Paul’s argument that our identification with Christ fundamentally alters our relationship with sin. In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death, signifying the death of our sinful nature, and his resurrection, signifying our new life in Christ.
The rhetorical question that begins this passage, “Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound?” is answered unequivocally by Paul: “By no means!” This question arises because Paul has previously argued that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20). However, Paul clarifies that this is not an excuse to continue in sin.
In verses 3-4, Paul develops the theme of baptism as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection. The imagery of baptism involves dying (going under the water) and rising (coming up from the water). In this act, we publicly declare our commitment to turn from our old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
Paul expands on this in verses 5-11. We’re united with Christ in a death like his, which is a death to sin’s power because Christ, having died, is free from sin. Likewise, we can consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we should no longer let sin reign in our mortal bodies but instead offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
Lord, we pray for the universal Church, that it may be a beacon of your love and truth in the world. As the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, may it continue to inspire and guide us. May we, like them, have the courage to proclaim your word in every language and to every people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority
We pray for the leaders of the world, that they may be filled with the wisdom and compassion of your Spirit. May they be guided by your principles of justice and peace, and work towards the welfare of all people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The local community
We pray for our local community, that it may be a place of fellowship and love. May we be filled with your Spirit, becoming sources of ‘living water’ to those around us, especially in times of difficulty and strife.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Those who suffer
We lift up those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. May they feel your healing presence, and may they be comforted by the promise of your Spirit, the ‘living water’ that sustains us in all circumstances.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The communion of saints
We remember those who have gone before us, those who have shown us the way of faith. May we be inspired by their lives and, following in their footsteps, proclaim the good news of your love to the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for the universal Church
Prayers ideas for each reading
Here are some prayers based on Acts 2:1-21:
Gracious God, we give thanks for the outpouring of your Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. As we reflect on this momentous event, we pray for a fresh infilling of your Spirit in our lives and in the life of your Church. Ignite in us a renewed passion for your mission and empower us to be bold witnesses of your love and grace.
Loving God, we pray for unity among your people. Just as the believers in the upper room were united in heart and mind, we ask that you would bring unity among your followers today. Remove any divisions or barriers that hinder our ability to work together for your kingdom, and help us to embrace diversity and seek common purpose in sharing the Gospel.
Merciful God, we pray for an outpouring of your Spirit on our communities and nations. May your Spirit bring conviction, repentance, and transformation in the hearts of those who do not yet know you. Fill us with your love and compassion for the lost, and give us the words and actions to effectively share the Good News.
Compassionate God, we pray for those who are longing for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with you. Stir in their hearts a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and draw them closer to your presence. May they experience the transformative power of your Spirit and find true joy and fulfillment in you.
Gracious God, we give thanks for the prophecy of Joel that was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. We pray that you would continue to pour out your Spirit on all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. May your Spirit empower and equip individuals from all walks of life to serve you faithfully and make an impact in their spheres of influence.
May these prayers based on Acts 2:1-21 inspire us to seek a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to pursue unity and love within the Church, and to be agents of God’s transformative work in the world.
Here are some prayers based on John 7:37-39:
Gracious God, we give thanks for Jesus, the living water, who quenches our spiritual thirst and satisfies our souls. As we come before you, we pray that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit, flowing in us like a river of living water. May we be refreshed and renewed in your presence.
Loving God, we acknowledge our deep need for your Spirit to empower and guide us. We ask that you would pour out your Spirit upon us, filling us with wisdom, discernment, and boldness to proclaim your truth and love to the world around us.
Merciful God, we pray for those who are spiritually dry and longing for a deeper connection with you. We ask that you would revive their hearts and awaken their spirits to the abundant life found in Jesus. Quench their thirst with your living water and lead them into a vibrant relationship with you.
Compassionate God, we pray for unity among believers as we drink from the same spiritual source. Help us to overcome divisions and differences, and to embrace one another in love and understanding. May the presence of your Spirit unite us in purpose and mission, as we seek to reflect your grace and truth.
Gracious God, we give thanks for the promise of your Spirit dwelling within us. Help us to be attentive and responsive to the promptings and guidance of your Spirit in our daily lives. Grant us the courage to surrender to your leading and to live in obedience to your will.
May these prayers based on John 7:37-39 draw us closer to the life-giving presence of Jesus and empower us to live as vessels filled with the Holy Spirit, bringing glory to God and spreading his love to those around us.
PrayBee 