50 Days of Prayer for Fellowship Church

2 Cor. 1:11, " as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many may give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."

The Apostle Paul clearly was a uniquely gifted evangelist, uniquely prepared, fit and chosen for his task of bringing the gospel to the Gentiles.  Yet Paul knew that he needed help. Specifically, he needed "the prayers of many" common, everyday Christians.  People like you and I, who love the Lord, care about the Lord's kingdom, and want to serve Him in His kingdom, yet are no Apostle Paul and never will be. But Paul wanted them to know, and wants us to know, that as we pray, we play a crucial supporting role in the coming of God's kingdom.  This is a mystery which requires faith.

Now read this verse in context, starting in verse 8. You see that Paul and his companions faced such terrible difficulties that they despaired of life; they literally thought they would die. What sustained them?  Well, God rescued them, but God acted on the prayers of many on behalf of these suffering ministers.  Their prayers were that vital. Paul wanted them to know this so that they would keep on praying.

By itself, this is a beautiful verse, worthy of repeating and pondering. In context, it is an urgent call to intercessory prayer. There is a Christian ministry on your heart right now; God is bringing one of his workers to your mind. You are being called to pray for that person and ministry.  You don't know how much that prayer is needed, and perhaps you never will.  But that prayer joins with the prayers of many others and brings thanksgiving to God. And it brings results, for God hears our collective prayers.

Please pray for Christian workers!  They need your prayers!  Know that God hears and acts on these prayers. Thanks and praise will go to God.  That will be the reward of your prayers, noble prayer partner.

So we pray,
Father God, sometimes we do not understand how prayer "works" but we know that it does indeed work, for you hear and answer our prayers. Right now I pray for _______________. I don't know their exact situation right now, but you have asked me to pray for them, and so I do. Rescue them, sustain them, give them success in their work, and may your kingdom come in their area of ministry. Amen.