Worship in Spirit and Truth

Our heavenly Father has transformed his throne—from a throne of wrath to a throne of grace—on our behalf. With the finished work of the Cross, we can approach God not on our own merits but his. In fact, God has invited us to come boldly. He waits for us and seeks for us to come to him for worship in spirit and truth.

Our biggest needs are not physical but spiritual, and yet, they’re intertwined. God cares deeply for all our needs. When our Lord looked out on the crowds who “were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36), he called his disciples to pray. As Christ-followers, we need to move toward a new level in our commitment to pray for the outpouring of God’s saving and sanctifying power in our day.

We pray so we can give God our gratitude for the provisions he has provided. We give thanks for our Board, our leadership here at DTS, our staff, and faculty. This includes bringing men and women to DTS who could be world changers for the cause of Christ. We ask that God will continue to lead, supply the needs, and open up opportunities for those who are graduating. We are grateful for the work God continues to do through the lives of our alumni. We also give thanks for the speakers we have had over this past school year. They have challenged us to think as we grapple with biblical and theological issues that relate to ministry and life.

We pray so we can acknowledge our Lord’s kindness and graciousness in how he brought those who have stood by us as we continue to do the work that is ahead of us. God’s generosity is evident in those who faithfully work alongside us for his glory—our supporters, ministry partners, and those who pray diligently for us here at DTS. We are thankful for the ones who work behind the scenes and for the encouragement each can be in one another’s lives.

We pray knowing our songs of praises, petitions, and laments only deepen our love and trust with him. Our requests rest in his hands, understanding he is the best one who is capable of answering our prayers according to his will. We can approach God about everything so that the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7).

What would that include for you? Do you believe he is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Eph 3:20)?

Header image by photographer, Wimook Sethanandha, a volunteer facilitator for the Dallas Global Proclamation Academy, a ministry of RREACH held in concert with DTS since 2005.

About the Contributors

Mark L. Bailey

Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.