A Challenge to Pastors, Missionaries, and Laity Alike

Take a minute and read these texts from the scriptures, and then read my final challenges: 

• “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf” (Rom 15:30)
• “Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints” (Rom 15:31)
• “He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many” (1 Cor 1:10-11)
• “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should” (Eph 6:19-20)
• “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:18-19)
• “At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains” (Col 4:3)
• “Brothers and sisters, pray for us also” (1 Thess 5:25)
• “In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you” (2 Thess 3:21)
• “Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you” (Philem 1:21)
• “Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything. And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon” (Heb 13:19-20)

What’s the point? Simply stated . . . 

1. Prayer matters.
2. We who lead God’s church need prayer.
3. Missionaries and missionary church planters need prayer. 
4. Our people are more inclined to pray for us if they know specific needs. 
5. We will likely need to recruit persons to pray for us. 
6. All church members should be praying for their leaders and those they send out. 

What steps might you take?