Developing the heart of a champion is not something that you can do on your own. It requires a lot of people. And it requires a lot of prayers.
Undoubtedly, Paul had the heart of a champion. But he didn’t develop this on his own, all by himself. He knew where the source of his strength came from: It came directly from God. And it came directly as a result of the prayers of others for Paul and his ministry.
Paul depended upon the prayers of others to sustain him. He knew, that without these prayers, his work would be ineffective. To be sure, he prayed on his own, and did so frequently and fervently. But he also recruited partners in prayer to help lift him and his efforts before the throne of grace continuously.
Tale a look at his own words from 2 Corinthians 1, in the latter half of verse 10 and verse 11 (NASB):
And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.
The people of the Corinthian church were praying, and had been praying for Paul’s ministry. Paul had been in danger in Ephesus, persecuted as he shared the message of the Gospel there. He knew that the regular prayers of the people of Corinth, as well as other believers, had contributed to his deliverance and safety. And he knew that their continued prayers would continue to make a difference in future circumstances that he may have to face.
As a result, their prayers connect them to his ministry, and to whatever success it has. His ministry is their ministry, because they have partnered in prayer with him for the sake of the Gospel.
Paul’s view of prayer has three dimensions. First is God’s ability to intervene and deliver. Second are Paul’s own prayers. And third are the prayers of the church on his behalf. We understand the first two; I pray, and I expect God’s activity. But the third is a critical part of the equation. When the church sees that God has acted in response to their prayers, the church is moved to pray more and more.
Answered prayer is always a catalyst for more prayer. And prayer shows just how much we love God and love others. As A. W. Pink stated, “The measure of our love for others can largely be determined by the frequency and earnestness of our prayers for them.”
Paul depended upon these prayers. And if you and I desire to have the heart of a champion, we must depend on the prayers of others as well.
Question: Do you have a team of people committed to pray for you on a regular basis? If not, why don’t you commit to developing such a team immediately? You can leave a comment by clicking here.