Prayer and the Ministry
HELLO FRIENDS,
Communication is important. Written communication places itself before our eyes. Nonverbal communication engages our senses. Verbal communication connects through our voices. At some point, the whole person is involved.
Communication in ministry is important. Pastors communicate by teaching and preaching the Word of God. They communicate by daily administration. They communicate by prayer. The balance of these pieces is vital to pleasing God.
In Acts 6 the church was growing. The Apostles found that it was difficult to minister to everyone. They lost their balance when they underestimated prayer and the word. They were busy administrating. Their loss of balance created problems in the church. People were being neglected. Wisdom however prevailed in their solution. We will seek out spiritual men to help with the church so that we can give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word (vv. 1-7).
The ministry of the word is a subject for another article. Suffice it to say that it is important communication. H. B. Charles said, “A passion to preach, without the discipline to study, is just a desire to perform.” Many in ministry take little interest in godly communication of the word. The busyness of administration seems to be more important.
It is clear from Acts 6:4 that prayer is important communication in ministry. In fact, it is listed first before the ministry of the word. It is hard work. It is consuming work. It is dedicated work. The work of prayer is both private and public. It is personal and mutual. It is for worship, needs and thanksgiving.
Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:1–4:
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Notice the sphere of prayer in ministry:
supplications - petitions to God based on a deep spiritual need
prayers - petitions directed to God for His will
intercession - petitions for the averting of evil or for God’s blessings on others
giving of thanks - petitions that recognize the greatness and goodness of God
Notice the width of prayer in ministry:
for all men
for kings
all that are in authority
Notice the desired result of prayer in ministry:
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty
Notice the joy of prayer in ministry:
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
Notice the reach of prayer in ministry:
who will have all men to be saved
to come to the knowledge of the truth
It should be obvious that communicating prayer is important to the ministry. What are some steps to incorporate it into our daily lives? Note: we already know these things:
Make time \ Take time to pray.
Keep a list \ Edit it often.
Spend time in prayer alone with God \ Engage others to pray with you.
The concept of communicating in prayer is not difficult to comprehend from the Scriptures. The employment of prayer in ministry is another thing. It demands discipline and dedication. We need to be careful that we do not become so enamored with “waiting on tables” that we forsake the ministry of the word. Just as important is the truth that both of those things are wrapped in the beautiful clothing of prayer. Pray without ceasing is a command, not an option.
“Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer.” E. M. Bounds
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” D. L. Moody
Mark Ballmer
Lead Pastor | Westwood Baptist Church, Zanesville