I’ve recently been reading a book that has proven both convicting and life-giving. Old Paths, New Power (by Daniel Henderson) gives a call to pastoral leaders to return to the “old paths” of prayer and the Scripture. The book centers on the apostles’ commitment to devote themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). I’ve found myself humbled and helped, stirred up in my soul to what Henderson calls “Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer.”
I appreciated the reminder of how Charles Spurgeon credited his spiritual success as a preacher to the people in his church who regularly prayed for him as he preached. Henderson quotes Spurgeon’s gratitude for the prayers of others: “The sinew of the minister’s strength under God is the supplication of his church. We can do anything and everything if we have a praying people around us” (quoted in Old Paths New Power, 178).
When I served at the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, I had a group of men who met with me each Sunday to pray. What a joy it was to be supported by these godly men. Although I now serve in a different context, I still feel the acute need for the prayers of God’s people. That’s one of the reasons for this blog–to ask friends to pray for us and the ministry of the school.
Here are several requests I’d ask you to remember this weekend.
- On Friday, our Heritage Leadership Team is spending the day in prayer and planning. We continue to sense the Lord is expanding the role of the school in preparing pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders. Please pray that we would be led by God’s Spirit so that we follow God’s agenda closely and courageously.
2. On Saturday morning and afternoon, Linda and I are speaking at a Marriage Conference in Simcoe, Ontario. Please pray that God would use our teaching of His Word to strengthen each couple that comes.
3. On Sunday, I (Rick) am scheduled to preach at the Chinese Gospel Church in Scarborough. Again, I would ask you to pray for God’s Spirit to work powerfully through the preaching of His Word to move His people on mission.
THANK YOU for your prayers. Even though we are not in the same physical location, I count on you as part of our prayer team. May God strengthen and sustain each of you in this important work.
Rick and Linda Reed 