Opened Eyes. Strengthened Hearts. · Sunday, December 6, 2026
Stand and Pray
Pastor Chris Officer · Ephesians 6:10–24
Advent 2 · Peace. The second candle is lit, then the series ends where Paul ends: stand in the strength of the Lord, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, and pray.
Series prayer
Lord, open our eyes to what we already have in Christ.
Strengthen our hearts to live what we already are.
Verse from this message
And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15
Peace, then the sermon
Light Hope first, then Peace. The family reads and prays. The church answers Come, Lord Jesus. The sermon does not re-preach the candle. One sentence is enough, then Ephesians 6.
Stand
We do not wrestle by panic. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace on our feet, faith, salvation, the word, and prayer. Peace is not the room going quiet. Peace is Jesus, and we stand because He already won.
The series kneels and stands
Opened eyes. Strengthened hearts. Seated with Christ, walking worthy, standing in His peace. The last word of the series is not a new program. It is pray for all the saints.
For the table
- Which piece of the armor have you been treating as optional?
- Where are you running from the dark instead of standing in peace?
- Who are the saints you will actually pray for now that the series ends?
Practices
- Pray Ephesians 6:18–20 for this church every day until Christmas.
- Keep saying the Advent response with the children: Come, Lord Jesus.