8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:8 – 11, New International Version)
Theme: The Local Church
Context:
It was really helpful to read the feedback on the passage yesterday. Thanks!
As we close out our consideration of the Discipline of Prayer in the local church we will reflect on the impact of corporate prayer as attested to by the Apostle Paul.
Bible Passage:
Today’s passage is 2 Corinthians 1:8 – 11 (presented above). Please take note of Paul’s strong link between the prayers of the church and the continued deliverance of those labouring in ministry.
Question:
There are many places around the world where God’s ministers are enduring tremendous pressure. What strategies do you employ, or can you employ to ensure your local church is helping by praying?
March 16, 2022 at 6:09 am
One strategy is to pray myself, as well as invite and encourage others to pray as well.
The pastor of my church sends regular updates about different things that are happening in, and with churches, especially since the pandemic. It is shocking to hear of pastors who have “given up” because they had to close their church, some have committed suicide, while others have felt guilt because they didn’t “shut down” their church when it was recommended, and some congregants died from the virus.
Our pastor lets us know how much he prays for pastors, and he asks that we pray for them, and for him too. We should make it a habit to pray for people who spread the Word of God, not just in our local church, but in neighboring churches and churches (and places) around the world.
March 16, 2022 at 8:04 am
Usually in all churches I’ve been a member of, while posted abroad and ieven the churches in Japan , there is always a newsletter sent by email, where all the prayer requests and updates about activities, events and other related matters were written. This helps all members to know specifically how to pray for someone or situations going on. The church printed bulletin is good to bring home or get some spare to give to your friends where the prayer requests are written.
It’s also important to listen carefully at the pastor’s announcement/reminders at the end of each service as some very important matters are being announced during this time.
It you’re involved in a prayer group or bible study group at your church , you can get updates of prayer requests of members and all other requests from such groups.
It’s also helpful to have a small notebook where you can take notes of prayer requests and when yiou’re having your devotional time you can look at your notes to ensure you pray for those people or situstions the church family is praying for.
Watching news is important as well to know what’s going on in the world and in this way, you can pray comsistently, like the Ukraine situation that is happening now.