PRAYER FOR MINISTERS AND RULERS.
1. SHOW how Paul, with all his learning and experience, craved the prayers of his brethren that he might preach the gospel as he ought to preach it? “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Eph. 6:19, 20. 2. What passage seems to show that the prayers of Christians may help to open the way for the evangelist to get a hearing from the people? “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” Col. 4:3. 3. Show that the prayers of Christians are needed to make the work of the minister effectual? “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.” 2 Thess. 3:1. 4. Into what deep distress were Paul and his associates once brought in Asia Minor? “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” 2 Cor. 1:8. 5. How were these men of God tried? “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead; who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” Verses 9, 10. 6. How did the Corinthian disciples aid in securing this deliverance? “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” Verse 11. 7. What may this teach us?—To pray for those who are in trial and in danger. 8. How does it appear that the prayers of saints may be effectual not only in protecting the man of God against his enemies, but also in making his work acceptable to others? “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints.” Rom. 15:30, 31. 9. What other proof have we that the prayers of Christians may further the success of the gospel and the safety of its ministers? “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith.” 2 Thess. 3:1, 2. 10. By what remark did Paul show his belief that the prayers of Christians might have some influence in securing his salvation? “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:19. 11. How are we commanded to pray that God will raise up men to preach the gospel? “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matt. 9:38. 12. How is the duty of praying for others set forth in 1 Tim. 2:1? “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” 13. Give instances in which God accepted prayer for the wayward. “And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!” “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” Gen. 17:18, 20. 14. How are we commanded to pray for the rulers of our nation? “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Tim. 2:2. 15. What remark is made concerning this practice? “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Verses 3, 4.