2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith

The 12th chapter of Acts chronicles for us as account of how King Herod arrested and killed the Apostle James. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, the Bible tells us that he proceeded to arrest Peter. But the Church did something they didn’t do during James’ arrest; they prayed earnestly for Peter’s release. They prayed the kind of prayer James, the Lord’s brother, wrote about in James 5:16: effectual, fervent, and continued prayer.

Peter might have been killed if intercessory prayers were not made on his behalf by the other believers. He was however miraculously released from prison as a result of the intercession (Acts 12:7-11). Whenever a minister of the Gospel passes on, he goes to be with the Lord. Therefore, all he had learnt during his years of service would no more be beneficial to the body of Christ – the Church here on earth. Paul addressing the Church at Philippi reveals:

Philippians 1:21-24
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you .

He acknowledged it was far more glorious to be with the Lord, but it would be to the Church’s advantage if he stayed longer in the earth.

No wonder Paul urged the church in Rome to pray for him (Romans 15:30-31). Most of the persecutions and terror that the devil unleashes in the world today are towards God’s ministers – who have been called to edify the Church. Also, in some countries, there are ungodly laws purported to thwart the influence of the Gospel, so, you must learn to pray that such wicked law be overthrown, and that Christians in such religions will take their place in Christ.

Gospel Ministries are gifts from God to the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13); hence, we must continually intercede for them to be strengthened with might in their inner man, and shielded from the vicious attacks of the enemy. We must pray for them to be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (2 Thessalonians 3:2). As you spend quality time praying for them today, the Spirit of God will stir up people who may not even know you, to pray also for you. Therefore, don’t neglect to earnestly pray for ministers of the Gospel.

-pastor Anita

oh! the power of prayer