Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Paul, an apostle. Romans 15:30-33 NKJV
In this climactic passage, Paul uses powerful language to ask the Roman believers to pray for and with him. He appeals to their shared faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to their shared experience of the Spirit’s love in their hearts to entreat them to join him in the prayer battle. We can learn a few things about how to pray with and for those who are serving the Lord in distant lands or difficult circumstances:
- It’s a joint venture. Our prayers are part of the ministry. The person on the field is doing his part, but there is a part we need to play here at home. We are in this together.
- It’s dangerous out there. There is an enemy, and he works through people. Pray for deliverance from those who would do them harm.
- We want the right word for the right people. Ministry is not like grammar school. It’s more than information, it’s transformation. That requires the right word from the minister and a right heart in the recipients. Pray that people will receive.
- There’s refreshing in fellowship. Pray that the minister will find a place of like-minded faith where he can be renewed and refreshed.
This Sunday, find out who your church supports in the work of the Gospel outside the walls. Take their name into your prayer closet and join with them in the prayer battle. Let’s do this!
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