Pray For Us

From John Piper

That's a clear, straightforward plea to the church at Thessalonica by the apostle Paul. "Brothers, pray for us." I love its simplicity. It is emotionally understated. Can you hear the depth of need this apostle feels for God's help? " . . . on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren . . . in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure" (2 Corinthians 11:26-27).

We hear it again with more vehemence in Romans 15:30. "Strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Here is a great man. He has great gifts and great experiences with God. He is a brilliant intellect. He is a valiant spiritual warrior. He is a chosen instrument of God. And he pleads for prayer. "Pray for me." "Strive with me in your prayers to God for me."

Why? Two reasons:
1. BECAUSE WHAT COUNTS MOST IN THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED BY MAN LEFT TO HIMSELF.
2. BECAUSE GOD HAS SET UP THE WORLD SO THAT (a) MORAL TRANSFORMATION AND (b) MINISTRY TRIUMPHS COME BY PRAYER.

Bring the triumph of GBC by prayer oh God!