Christ's ascension

Start by spending a few minutes reflecting on the ascension, coronation, and enthronement of our Redeemer King. For example:

• Today, Jesus sits at God’s right hand. His ascension was the official inauguration and installation of the King of the Universe. It was the ratification of ALL aspects of his redemptive work. It was the proof of his incomparable dignity and total supremacy. It was the proclamation that he has no competitors and no successors.
• From that moment forward, Jesus became the locus of ultimate honor, power, and authority. From that moment forward, Jesus also became the focus of God's activity in the Church and among the nations. Today, Jesus is not waiting to be crowned as King; he's waiting only to be recognized as King.
• When we talk about the coronation of his ascension, we must remember this is the same Jesus we read about in the Gospels. “The dust of the earth resides on the throne of heaven” (John Duncan). What the incarnation united, the ascension sealed. Even though he sits at God's right hand in the fullness of his deity, he is still, at the same time, a real human being, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh.
• Christ is Lord of the entire universe. As Redeemer of the world, the ascended Lord is the goal of human history, the focal point of the longings of the human race, and the answer to the yearnings of every heart.

Then, pray for yourself: Father of eternal love, take me into more of Christ today.

Pour into me fresh revelations of your Son as the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Teach me how to live for him as one who, united to him, has already been seated with him far above all rule and authority and over every other power.

I surrender my all to him, who has total authority in heaven and on earth.

I no longer live in fear—fear of death, fear of judgment, fear of the demonic—because you encompass me in Jesus’ kingdom, full of grace and glory.

Therefore, cause him to rule over me so fully that everything within me that might oppose him will be put down and vanish.

Therefore, cause my heart to bow more fully before him the way one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Empower me to lift his name above every other name—by my words and obedience to all he asks of me.

Release my tongue to openly confess his saving kingship before all.

Unleash within me more of the joyous celebrations going on around his throne as saints in heaven and on earth declare:

“Hosanna, to the crowned, enthroned Lord of the universe!
Blessed are you who comes to conquer us.
Blessed is our reigning sovereign forever.
King Jesus, raise your scepter to extend your great salvation
into every area of my life.”

Use this prayer focus to shape your prayers for your own congregation.

Use this prayer focus to shape your prayers for the Church in your city and worldwide.

Pray for God’s answers to these prayers to advance the saving reign of his Son in your city and among the nations.