In Ephesians 6:19-20 Paul says, “[Pray] also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
He is in chains in a Roman prison at this time, thus it’s interesting to note he doesn’t ask the Ephesians to pray for his release. Rather, he asks them to pray for him to boldly preach the gospel. Are you in a time of suffering and hardship? It’s not wrong to ask for God to release you from your trial, but don’t forget to ask God to empower you to proclaim the gospel boldly in your suffering. Your chains, like Paul’s, just might be the very vehicles God has ordained for sinners to come to faith in His Son.
WHAT PREACHING MUST BE
If ever there was an illuminating and pointed truth on preaching, it’s Ephesians 6:20. For here we see apostolic teaching on what preaching must be. I wonder what adjectives you want to attach to preaching? Complete this sentence, “I look for preaching that is __________.” What came to mind? Preaching that is short, entertaining, compelling, funny? Or do you, like Paul, long for preaching that is bold. The preaching of the Gospel is the means by which God awakens dead sinners, assaults the kingdom of Satan, and establishes the kingdom of His Son. Such bold preaching will always need prayer. Alistair Begg, a master of boldly proclaiming the mystery of the gospel, said, “The devil is unafraid of prayerless proclamation.” Can God use preaching not saturated with prayer? Sure. But we have no reason to expect He will.
THE FURNACE ROOM
In the latter half of the 19th century five young college students were waiting to hear the great Charles Spurgeon preach when a man walked up and asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the furnace room of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our furnace room.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.
He was the Prince of Preachers because his people were mighty in praying for his preaching.
Look anywhere in church history and you’ll see behind every powerful preacher is a prayerful people. Do you pray specifically for the preaching ministry of your church? I believe with my whole heart that the power of your church’s pulpit will advance only as far as your prayers for it.
A few weeks ago at IDC we began an informal meeting from 4:30-4:45 to pray for the night’s sermon and preacher. I like to think of it as our own little furnace room. And I take it to be no mere coincidence that after our first Furnace Room gathering a brother in our church, who aspires to pastoral ministry, preached a sermon that was received with unusual force in the congregation.
Preachers need the prayers of their people. Pastor, how can you build a culture in your church where preachers are regularly lifted up in prayer?