DCLM Higher Everyday 20 May 2024 — Pray Fervently For Preachers
Topic: Pray Fervently For Preachers
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Key Verse: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Message
All Christians are to preach the gospel wherever they are as the persecuted early Church in Jerusalem did when many of them fled to Samaria and other places, such as: Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch (Acts 11:19). However, in a restricted sense, preachers are ordained or appointed ministers of the gospel. They may be pastors, bishops, evangelists or missionaries. Many of these people serve on full time basis, while others still retain their secular employments as doctors, teachers, bankers or businessmen. The preacher’s work often entails hardship, risk, rejection of the word and persecution; hence they need our prayers.
In our text, Apostle Paul gave three reasons why he and his companions needed prayers. These are: (i) that the word of God may have free entrance among the people(ii) that the word might be joyfully received by the hearers and (iii) deliverance from unreasonable and wicked people. In addition, pray for preachers’ personal and family needs. We should also pray for their health, safety in their journeys, and boldness in preaching. This is a duty you owe preachers; so pray for them!
Quote: They need our prayers
Challenge: Prayers help in exponential church growth.
Prayer for today: Oh God, empower me to pray for preachers, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
