Pleading for Prayer

“Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” -Romans 15:30

Dear brethren, do remember that the truth alone, if not enforced by the Spirit of God, will not sink into the hearts of men. They say, “Truth is mighty, and will prevail,” but this is only half the case. If you put truth upon a shelf, and let the dust lie on her record, of what use will it be to men? Truth unknown, how can it enlighten? Truth not felt, how can it renew? There must therefore be the preacher to call attention to the truth, but how shall they preach except they be sent? and how shall they be sent aright except in the power of the Holy Ghost? and how can we expect the Holy Spirit if we do not ask for His working? Wherefore, we pray you, wrestle together with us in your prayers that the Holy Spirit may go forth with the truth and by the truth.

This will be to your profit. No man hears his pastor preach without deriving some benefit from him, if he has earnestly prayed for him. The best hearers, who get the most out of a man, are those who love him best, and pray most for him. God can make us dry wells to you if you offer no prayers for us. He can make us clouds that are full of rain, if you have pleaded with God on our behalf.

But the master argument with which we close is that which Paul mentions— “For Christ’s sake.” Oh, for God’s sake, for His name and glory’s sake, if you would honor the Father, if you would let Jesus see of the travail of His soul, wrestle together with us in your prayers for the divine working. It is so, brother, you know it is so, we are wholly dependent upon the Spirit of God.

If it be so, that without God’s blessing we can do nothing, and that God’s blessing is given if we inquire of God for it, then I need not press you further—you will pray for me and for other preachers of the word. If your hearts are right, you will each one resolve to offer special, continuous, and fervent prayer in private, and in your families and in our holy convocations, and these shall deepen into an agony before God, and then a blessing shall be given us which we shall scarcely have room enough to receive. Lord, teach us to pray!

-C.H. Spurgeon

1. Paul instructs the saints to pray about distinct things. How can we keep our praying focused? What does Paul ask for as he prepares for ministry? - see v31-33

2. Discuss ways in which we can be praying for our pastor and those in missionary service.

3. Paragraph 2 - Who make the best hearers of the preached Word?

4. Paragraph 3 - What is the main reason why we serve, pray, preach etc.?