Combined Worship-Driven Prayer Meeting

In the introduction of 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God is the God who comforts. He is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” He “comforts us in all our troubles.” “If we are distressed,” Paul says, “it is for your comfort and salvation.” In fact, the word “comfort” appears nine times in 2 Corinthians 1.3-7. Beginning in verse 8, Paul recounts for us a time in his life when God’s comfort was desperately needed.

Paul and his “entourage” had undergone various trials, massive trouble and unbearable pressure as they worked to spread the gospel of Christ over the province of Asia. Things became so bad they believed God had providentially determined their deaths. They learned to rely on God, however, and he delivered them. Listen to the words of Holy Scripture.

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor us in answer to the prayers of many (2 Cor 1.9-11).

Did you notice Paul’s carefully nuanced language? God was the one who had delivered and the one he was trusting to deliver in the future. But the Apostle still acknowledged the role prayer played in their deliverance. They had set their hope on God who will continue to deliver them, as the Corinthians help them by their prayers. “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor 1.10-11a). These words speak unashamedly about the significant role of prayer as God’s will is accomplished on earth. It was through the prayers of the Corinthians that God delivered Paul and his associates from the perils of death. Prayer is significant. Prayer moves the hand of God. Can you imagine a more important task? Please join us for a combined worship-driven prayer meeting of Somonauk Baptist Church and Cornerstone Church. We will gather at SBC at 6:30pm

For further encouragement to pray please watch the attached sermon clip from Pastor John Piper.           

Further Encouragement to Pray