"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:" (2nd Thessalonians 3:1)

Early in my efforts to preach the gospel, I had a very startling revelation about the importance of prayer.

I had prepared my thoughts and had been in prayer and study all the previous week. To put it simply, I felt blessed and was ready to preach the word. I was eager!

As I entered the pulpit, I first asked the congregation to pray for me. But I said it as a matter of tradition, not really understanding what I was asking them to do.

I tried to start speaking several times but the words just wouldn't come together. I physically had a voice but I could not seem to put two words together and make them make sense. I tried restarting several times but each time I heard my own voice ringing in my head shouting "sit down." So finally, I sat down. It was obvious that something was not working.

During the handshake after service, every person shook my hand, hugged my neck, and said the same thing:

"I'm sorry. You asked me to pray for you and I didn't."

We were all in tears within a matter of just a few minutes.

Prayer is an important part of the life of the child of God. And it is a vital part of the preaching of the gospel. Preaching is so much more than just giving a good speech. When the Lord is involved, the hearts of men whom God have touched see the glory of their King and Redeemer!

If the gospel is not being preached in power in our churches or in evangelism, perhaps we should look to ourselves rather than being quick to blame the preacher. Yes, preachers have a huge responsibility to be instant in season and out of season. But let us never approach the preaching time as something routine.

Let us be in prayer that God sends the exact message that each of needs. Let us pray that God will bless the messenger to deliver us God's message.