Topical Bible: Ministers: Pray for the Increase of

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The role of ministers within the Christian faith is of paramount importance, as they are called to shepherd the flock, preach the Word, and administer the sacraments. The New Testament provides numerous examples and exhortations regarding the necessity of praying for an increase in ministers, both in number and in spiritual effectiveness.

Biblical Foundation

The call to pray for more ministers is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus emphasizes the need for laborers in the harvest field: "Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest'" (Matthew 9:37-38). This passage underscores the urgency and necessity of prayer for more ministers to carry out the work of the Gospel.

The Apostolic Example

The early church provides a model for the importance of praying for ministers. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch is depicted as fasting and praying before the Holy Spirit instructs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they were called. This demonstrates the church's reliance on prayer to discern and commission ministers for the mission field.

Paul's Exhortations

The Apostle Paul frequently requested prayer for his ministry and for the spread of the Gospel. In his letter to the Colossians, he writes, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:2-3). Paul's request highlights the necessity of prayer not only for the increase of ministers but also for their effectiveness in proclaiming the Gospel.

The Role of the Church

The church is called to be a community that supports and prays for its ministers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25, Paul simply asks, "Brothers, pray for us" . This brief yet profound request indicates the vital role of the congregation in upholding their leaders through prayer. The church's intercession is crucial for the spiritual vitality and perseverance of its ministers.

Spiritual Gifts and Calling

The increase of ministers is also tied to the recognition and nurturing of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul explains that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" . Prayer for the increase of ministers involves seeking God's guidance in identifying and cultivating these gifts within the church.

Conclusion

The call to pray for the increase of ministers is a biblical mandate that reflects the heart of God for His church and the world. Through prayer, the church aligns itself with God's purposes, seeking His provision for laborers who will faithfully proclaim the Gospel and shepherd His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 9:38
Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ninth Lesson. Pray the Lord of the Harvest;'
... O let us pray for a life so one with Christ ... There will first be the desire for the
increase of men ... for the service of the Master as ministers, missionaries, or ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/ninth lesson pray the lord.htm

The Life that Can Pray
... become of our unfitness to pray in power ... fruit for the vine may increase; in obedience ...
Beloved brethren,"ministers, missionaries, teachers, workers, believers ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter v the life that.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... right, meet, and your bounden duty, to pray for them ... to all this, that praying for
your ministers, will be a ... water, yet it is God alone who giveth the increase. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... to any of you who have ever attended them, to say whether they fit you for prayer,
or increase your spirituality ... Churches should pray for ministers as the ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... possible opportunity, your chance for doing good will increase. ... I shall hope and
pray that you who are now ... avoid many mistakes that we older ministers have made ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
... it is reasonably ordained that the ministers of the ... by any single person, whether
he pray for himself ... arouse ourselves more effectively to an increase of holy ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer should be vocal.htm

The Ministry and Prayer
... wonderful statement in order to encourage His ministers to pray ... give accent to His
concern that they shall pray. ... "And the Lord make you to increase and abound ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

Introduction
... a golden cup' (Revelation 17:4). If all who have the plague of the head should die,
it would much increase the bill ... And pray for your ministers that God ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... But I hear ministers saying, "Ah, you are always saying you want comfort, you want
comfort." Ay, to be sure, I say, they ... Pray, then, for an increase of faith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm

The Coming Revival
... An increase of secret prayer with ministers and members ... feel the sin of others take
their burden of confession and bear it, and that all who pray for and ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xv the coming revival.htm