Ephesians 6:19

Some may have noted the "Prayer Note" on the right hand column of the blog. We often talk about the fact that God gives us a verse of scripture. While some people seem to be getting a verse a week, my experience has been a bit different. I do feel that God has led me to certain verses of scripture for particular moments in my life, but maybe not with the frequency experienced by some. I have always felt that way about Psalm 118:14 which I found the night I accepted Jesus and heard a call to preach. It says, The Lord is my strength and my song; and is become my salvation. (KJV) Over the years there have been others, but usually they seemed more for the moment than a life time.

The verse written in the "Prayer Note" section of the blog is one of those verses which has the feel of being given to me out of my walk with God. Again, it says, Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel." I have been carrying this Word with me now for the past several years. I usually go to it sometime during the week and read it and pray it. It is, of course, the Apostle Paul's request to the church. It has become my prayer for my preaching each week as well as a Word which is often used to pray for others who share the calling of preaching.

The thing I have realized about myself ( and some other preachers) is that we are too slow to ask for others to pray for us. Yet, there is no ingredient more important in the recipe for good preaching. I know I do need your prayers if I am to preach as God wants me to preach. It is easy for things to distract me from the task and I am always in need of the steadying and empowering influence of your prayers. I do ask you to pray for me as a preacher of the Word. And I do thank you as you do it.