1 Thessalonians 5:25

This one morning in the year we have reserved to refresh your memory on the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is solemnly momentous, involving well-being or woe to thousands; we deal with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.

A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we are found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ’s army, we are a special target of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for us to falter, and work to trip us up.

Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt; above all, it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many difficult cases, and we are at a loss; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink.

We wish to benefit you by our preaching; we desire to be a blessing to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners. Therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. We are miserable men if we lack the help of your prayers, but we are happy if we live in your supplications.

You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers. Ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you: Brethren, pray for us.