“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead
and be honored, as happened among you,”
2 Thessalonians 3:1
I’ve always appreciated the way the Apostle Paul was never shy in asking for prayer. For while we may be tempted to think that Paul was some kind of “super saint” who never struggled with doubt or fear or his own inadequacy, he certainly knew otherwise. Throughout the New Testament Paul openly confesses that he is weak (2 Cor 12:10), that he had feelings of inadequacy (2 Cor 3:5), and even times of depression (2 Cor 7:6). So it should not surprise us to find how aware he was of his absolute dependance on the prayers of others to accomplish anything of value, especially in the preaching of God’s Word!
I feel that reality every Sunday when I stand in the pulpit, and so am always appreciative of your prayers and the encourage you give me when you tell me you are praying me. It means a lot! Probably more than you will ever know! And so it is with that in mind that I ask you to pray especially for me today and tomorrow as I prepare to speak at the Missouri Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference in Saint Charles at 9 AM Monday morning. For some reason, this has been a particularly difficult message to prepare as I have grappled with what I should say concerning how a pastor must view God’s Word. The message will be based on Titus 1:7-9 and the stewardship of God’s Word. My desire is to encourage weary pastors who are tempted to turn to all the tricks and techniques being offered today as substitutes to the faithful preaching of God’s Word. I want to exhort these men to renew their confidence in the fact that God’s word is true and powerful and will accomplish all God promises. So please pray for me!
And pray as well for Warren as he preaches the word here at Rockport this morning. And then keep him in mind as our church is asked to confirm him next week in taking the next step toward eldership by becoming an elder-in-training.
May God own and use His powerful word for the good of His people!
Pastor Scott