July 12, 2026, 9am, Why Do We Pray for the Church and Our City?

Jesus calls His followers to be the salt and light of the world in Matt. 5:13-16. He wants His church to be a beacon of faith, love and hope to a world that is loveless and hopeless. But what happens when the culture starts to influence the church instead of the church influencing the culture? That was the threat of the church in the town of Colossae. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians to encourage them in their faith, love and hope. Their culture was heavily pagan, and the pagan values were threatening to creep into the Colossian church. Churches in our culture, including Morningside, can also be susceptible to cultural influences that are contrary to God’s word. This is why we need to be intentionally praying for the church and our city.