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(Ephesians 6:19) And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation]

I believe the Lord has been leading us lately into the way He wants His Church to function. To that end, here's something from the UCB many years ago.

Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: ‘Pray…that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me…that I will fearlessly make known…the Gospel.’

Do you pray for your pastor? You should! After Wilbur Chapman’s first sermon at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, a man said, ‘You’re pretty young to be pastor of this great church. We’ve always had older men. I’m afraid you won’t succeed, but since you preach the Gospel, I’m going to help you all I can.’ Chapman thought, ‘What a crank.’ But the man continued, ‘I’m going to pray for you and a few others have covenanted to join me.’

Later, Chapman wrote, ‘I didn’t feel so bad when I learned that they were going to pray for me. Soon the three became fifty, and the fifty became two hundred who met before every service to pray for me. In another room eighteen elders knelt so closely around me that I could put out my hand and touch them. I always went into my pulpit confident that I would have God’s anointing in answer to the prayers of those people. It was easy to preach, a real joy. And what was the result? Eleven hundred people were saved and joined the church in the next three years, and six hundred of them were men.

It was the fruit of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. Church members have much more to do than go to church as curious, idle spectators to be amused and entertained. It is their business to pray mightily that the Holy Spirit will clothe the preacher with power and make his words like dynamite.

Holy Spirit, please touch the heart of whoever is reading this. Draw them into Your presence and show them that You continue to speak and answer prayers today. Amen. 

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick amongst us—such as Barbara and Ian fighting cancer. We also pray for a quick and complete healing for Keiron, Jay and Liliana. Please grant your healing power to those who minister to all the sick among us so they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.