Pray for Me

Paul serves as a great of example to each and every Christian. He said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). More specifically he serves as a great example to preachers. After becoming a Christian Paul became one of the most zealous preachers the world has ever known. Paul began his work as a missionary after having the church pray for him (Acts 13:3). Quite often he would pray for the church (Romans 1:9; Eph. 1:16; Phil. 1:4; 2 Thes. 1:11). But he also knew the importance of prayer on his behalf. He said, “pray for me” (Romans 15:30; 2 Cor. 1:11; Col. 4:3; 1 Thes. 5:25; Philemon 22). Without a doubt prayer was important to Paul. Prayer should be important to every preacher. Would you do something for me? Could I ask you to pray for me?

Pray for me that I can be a better student of the Word of God. The Bible is the “tool” of the preacher. It is essential that he know how to use it. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). A carpenter must learn how to properly use his tools. An accountant must master his tools. Even in sports an athlete must learn how to handle his “tools.” A preacher must learn to “handle” the scriptures in the correct way. Preaching requires that one understand that there is “greater judgment” (James 3:1) to those who teach the word of God. Will you pray for me?

Pray for me that can be a better servant. Yes, every Christian is to be a servant (Rom. 12:11; 2 Tim. 2:24). Because of Paul’s love for the church he was willing to “spend, and be spent” (2 Cor. 12:15). His example of service is worthy of following. Preachers must serve everyone in the congregation not just a select few. Jesus taught that the “chief among you” needs to be “servant” (Matt. 20:27) of all. Preachers do not run the church. They are not “lords” over the congregation. The preacher may “stand out” because he stands in the pulpit. He should “stand out” because of his service. Would you pray for me?

Pray for me that I can be more evangelistic. Each of us are Christians because someone was evangelistic. We were “taught” (John 6:45) the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). It is necessary to “come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4) to be saved. Our area is growing rapidly. Therefore, many opportunities are available to each of us. Will our new neighbors find someone who is interested in their souls? Paul, as a Christian and preacher, was busy trying to reach the lost. He prayed for them (Rom. 10:1). While this was important he did more. His life can be summed up in Acts 20:20. He taught publicly and privately. Why was Paul so concerned about others? He believed in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). He believed that people were lost without Jesus (Acts 4:12). He believed in heaven and hell (Matt. 25:46). He believed in the power of the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7). He believed in the power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). He knew his own soul was at risk if he failed to teach others (1 Tim. 4:16). Would you please pray for me?

Thank you for your prayers. Continue (1 Thes. 5:17) to remember me.

Terry Claunch