Dear CCW family,
If you had lived in the first century and were privileged to know the Apostle Paul, he likely would ask you to pray for him. We don’t have the full record of his interactions with Christians, but if what he wrote in his letters reveals anything, it is that he felt strongly that he must have the prayers of others in order to accomplish his work — work that has eternal effects, coming all the way down to us.
Here’s a sampling of his persistence:
“Brothers, pray for us.” (1 Th 5:25).
“I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf . . .” (Romans 15:30)
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful. . . . At the same time, pray also for us.”(Colossians 4:2-3)
“. . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me . . . (Ephesians 6:18-19a)
If Paul persistently asked for the prayer of other believers, surely we should also. He was bold, unashamed, but also needy and humble in making his requests, just as we should be.
Last week I spoke at a Conference. I felt particularly concerned about the five messages I was to deliver. The other speaker from London had five messages also. We both longed to stir up the believers, to make a lasting (even everlasting) impact, to inspire and embolden and strengthen the churches and individuals involved. And, we both felt that we must have this help from God. It’s no sign of maturity to speak for God without it, as if we could change people with our own cleverness. Therefore, we asked for prayer.
I knew I had the prayers of my wife, and the devoted pastors of the sponsoring church, plus other key people in their church who make it their habit to pray for such things. I asked my siblings to pray, and our church, and the CCW team, and some additional friends, but I also particularly requested the prayers of a few in a personal and deeper way. I expected them to take the job seriously. They did.
I’ll mention just three praying friends: the first was a small church pastor from Oregon who came to the conference at my request. His coming was provided for in a supernatural last minute way, so he knew God had a job for him. I had spoken to his congregation earlier in the year. He prayed all through and around and before and after my messages. We talked about it several times. He carried the load for me. The second was a friend back home who often takes on my need for prayer. He’s a steady help. He communicated with me through the event by text and tracked the progress carefully. His comments actually had an impact on my choice of text and outline for one message. A third pray-er was a lady Pam and I love dearly who lives in Tennessee. She eagerly promised to pray. She included her weekly prayer partner, and also the small church she attended which I had taught in this year.
I didn’t want to give these busy people something more to do unnecessarily, but I knew they did not think it was a burden to pray, but a privileged partnership. I have no doubt that they will receive eternal rewards for their effort, which will far exceed the cost. God brought me through my messages with a sense of the wind of his Spirit helping, and all indications are that people were significantly encouraged by our ten messages. The support from the prayers of many was palpable to me. We would have been severely deficient without the prayers of these saints who understand the battle.
You will be a pray-er that makes a difference if . . .
- You see prayer not as a bothersome weight, but as a way to make a true difference. Pray-ers understand, in other words, that praying is the way God plans to do certain things which would not be done another way. “You do not receive because you do not ask,” James reminded us. These people get this.
- You know what it means to pray all along during the day. “Praying without ceasing” is “like having a cold,” someone said. “If you are not sneezing, you are about to.” Obviously, good pray-ers have several things to pray about. However, receiving a true burden for another person which roots in the heart is essential for praying with concentration and depth whenever that person comes to mind.
I have, on a few occasions, been shocked by pray-ers who told me that they pray daily or weekly or at some other interval for me. I don’t deserve that. I’m so amazed when I hear it that I don’t know exactly how to respond. It is such a sacrifice on their part. But the sacrifice will not be forgotten by the Lord. They share in all the benefits that may come from my ministry and the work of CCW. The other team members agree. And, I trust the Lord to give such people extra eternal blessings that only pray-ers will have in the future world. If you are such a person, thank you.
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If interested, here are the audio links to the last conference I spoke at, along with Geoff Thomas, in Laurel, MS: https://www.audubonchurch.org/reformation-celebration/pages/2025-reformation-conference
On a personal note, our oldest son and wife, Benjamin and Bekah, just had girl #4 (in 4.5 years of marriage!). That’s her in the photo. She is #11 on the total count and so precious. Our middle son and wife, Bryan and Joey, have five great kids from 10 years and downward. And our daughter Laura, with Marco, have two, with their third and our 12th on the way. It’s harvest time!
Speaking of which, we wish you a great Thanksgiving season. Thanks SO much for your interest in all we do and, above all, for your prayers.
With Joy,
Jim Elliff, with Steve Burchett, and Marco Scouvert