My teenage daughter was at youth camp last week. They had the young and dynamic preacher named Isaiah Saldivar as the speaker every evening. It was really good. At the end of the week when I arrived to pick her up, they were doing a Q&A session and a few people were sharing.

A young man got up and began to share about how frustrating it is for him when it comes to denominational differences. He is from a Nazarene church, but is cool with coming to a camp at an Assembly of God Church.

I applaud him for speaking his mind about the frustrations too many young people face when it comes to this subject.  His willingness to seek God with friends from other denominations is a good step toward creating a friendly attitude to denominational differences.

Having said that, I think too many Christians are mistaking to think that denominational differences are of the devil.

I believe that there are denominational differences today because people naturally choose to align themselves with groups that hold or espouse their theological convictions. I don’t think everything is right about it; but certainly not everything is wrong about it either. We must all learn to embrace our differences. Like Piper says, “it is differences that give us the occasion to show the world what love and unity really is.” So, no matter what denomination you’re with – aim for love above all else and make prayer a priority.

Daily prayer for other churches and denominations can change your attitude toward them. Here is a list of prayers you can use to lift others up to The Lord.:

Lord, May you bless the gathering of the Church everywhere today

Lord, may the weary find rest everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may the strong be renewed everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may the doubting find faith everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may the content be awakened everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, May the tempted be helped everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may your people be filled with the Spirit’s power where the church gathers today

Lord, may the sorrowful find comfort everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may your children be encouraged everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, may the lost find salvation everywhere the church gathers today

Lord , may signs and wonders follow those who believe in your name

Lord, forgive sins and cleanse hearts everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, inhabit the praises of your people everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, speak through your word everywhere the church gathers today

Lord, May your church be united in love, mission and purpose

In Jesus Name – Amen!