BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US

*Study scripture:* _2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 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._

*BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US.*

One of the responsibilities of a Christian in prayer is to pray for the ministers of the gospel. There are many things that tend to hinder the progress of the gospel by attacking ministers.

Ministers often have attacks on their families, careers, marriages, finances , academics etc and all these are working towards hindering the free course of the word of God.

It is not automatic and obvious that the gospel shall be preached. You ought to participate in the extension of the gospel by also praying for the ministers of the gospel. Your prayer should be that they are delivered from unnecessary affliction.

*_Acts 12:1-2 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword._ * The free course of the gospel was affected when Herod killed James and this brought a retardation in the extension of the word of God. The church did not pray.

*_Acts 12:3,5 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. -Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him._* This time when Peter was arrested, the church was held in effective prayer for him and the man was delivered.

The difference between the redemption of James and Peter is that Peter was prayed for. Make it a point to prayer for the progress of the gospel for the ministers to be delivered from wicked men and divers afflictions.

*Further study:*
Acts 12:1-9
1 Thessalonians 5:25

*Nugget: *
The difference between the redemption of James and Peter is that Peter was prayed for. Make it a point to prayer for the progress of the gospel for the ministers to be delivered from wicked men and divers afflictions.

*Prayer: *
Blessed the name of the Lord God most high for your word this morning. I pray and speak freedom upon everyone who is participating in the gospel. I decree open doors upon them in the name of Jesus Christ.
*Amen.*