Today’s Open Heaven devotional, written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, carries a sobering yet hope-filled message for every believer. If you have ever wondered whether your spiritual address truly matters, this reading is for you. Whether you are someone freshly stepping into faith or a seasoned Christian who needs a fresh nudge to share the gospel, God has something to say to your heart today.
Open Heaven for July 9, 2026
Topic: the City of the Dead
Devotional: Open Heaven (RCCG)
Date: 2026-07-09
Bible reading: Ephesians 2:1-6 (KJV)
Memory verse: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; – Colossians 2:13 (KJV)
Years ago, I visited a country which had one of the largest cemeteries in the world. On top of every grave in that cemetery, there is a concrete slab, and some homeless residents of that city lived in tents that were built over these slabs. For that reason, the cemetery was called ‘the city of the dead.’
Beloved, do you know that people who have not given their lives to Christ or who claim to have done so but are still indulging in sin are living in a spiritual city of the dead? Today’s Bible reading tells us that we were once dead in our sins and trespasses before Jesus made us alive through His death and resurrection. He went to the city of the dead and took the keys of hell and death from satan (Revelation 1:18). Jesus died so that nobody would have to experience the torture of eternal death. If you are currently living in the city of the dead, I implore you to escape from there right now by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour before it is too late. Turn to Him today, and He will change your address from the city of the dead to the Kingdom of Life.
If you are God’s child, it is your responsibility to preach the gospel to those who haven’t given their lives to Jesus Christ. Don’t be so busy minding your business that you neglect the Lord’s business of witnessing to lost souls. Sometimes, the blessing you desire is hidden in your obedience to the Lord’s command to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
Years ago, a lady was praying to God for a husband, and God told her, “Go out and win souls. Your husband is not part of My family yet.” She obeyed and focused on preaching to the lost. About six months later, she came to me and said, “Daddy, I have a problem.” I asked her what the problem was, and she said, “One of the converts that I have just won to Christ says that he wants to marry me.” I asked her to pray about it and accept his proposal if she’s convinced about him. Today, they are one of the best couples that I know.
Beloved, if God has saved you from the city of the dead, don’t be selfish; reach out to those who are still living there so they can also join you in His Kingdom of Life.
Source: Open Heaven (RCCG), official devotional
Open Heaven Prayer Points for Today
These Open Heaven prayer points for today are original PrayerPrompt content, declarations and a reflection to turn today’s message into prayer.
Prayer Points
- Lord, thank You for transferring me out of spiritual death and into the fullness of life found only in You, let that reality sink deep into my heart today.
- Father, open my eyes to anyone in my circle who is still spiritually lifeless, and give me both the courage and the compassion to reach them with Your truth.
- Holy Spirit, root out every hidden area of sin that keeps me lingering at the edges of death rather than walking fully in the resurrection life Christ purchased for me.
- God, forgive me for every moment I have been so consumed with personal goals that I neglected the urgent work of pointing others to salvation.
- Lord, raise up in me a genuine burden for lost souls, not guilt-driven obligation, but love-driven urgency that mirrors Your own heart for the perishing.
- Father, like the woman in today's testimony, teach me that my obedience to Your commission often unlocks the very blessings I have been seeking in prayer.
- Jesus, You hold the keys of death and of the grave, let that authority be made real in every prayer I pray for someone who seems beyond reach or beyond hope.
- Lord, make me a faithful witness in my generation, so that when I stand before You, I will not be ashamed of opportunities I let pass by in silence.
Declarations
- I declare that I am no longer a citizen of spiritual death, I have been raised up and seated with Christ, and that is my permanent address.
- I declare that the same resurrection power that conquered the grave is alive and active within me, transforming every area of my life from the inside out.
- I declare that I am a bold and compassionate witness; I will not hoard the gift of salvation but will generously share it with everyone God places in my path.
- I declare that my obedience to God's calling unlocks divine provision, every blessing assigned to my life is accessible through faithful surrender to His purposes.
- I declare that no one in my sphere of influence will perish for lack of hearing the gospel, because I choose today to open my mouth and speak life.
Reflection
Take a quiet moment to think about one specific person, a colleague, a neighbor, a family member, whose name surfaces in your heart right now. That prompting is rarely a coincidence. You do not need a platform or a perfect script; you need availability. Ask God today for one simple, natural opportunity to introduce that person to the hope that has already changed your own story.
Pray With PrayerPrompt Today
Test Your Understanding
Answer these 5 questions on today's devotional, then see how you did.
