From Gardiner Spring’s “Prayer for Ministers” (first published in 1848):
O it is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being preceded, accompanied, and followed by the earnest prayers of the churches. It is no marvel that the pulpit is so powerless, and ministers so often disheartened when there are so few to hold up their hands. The consequence of neglecting this duty is seen and felt in the spiritual declension of the churches, and it will be seen and felt in the everlasting perdition of men; while the consequence of regarding it would be the ingathering of multitudes into the kingdom of God, and new glories to the Lamb that was slain.
I need you to pray for me so that Christ will minister through me.
I need you to hold up my hands.
Pray that I would be crucified with Christ and that the life I live would be His life through me.
I should never be allowed into the pulpit without your earnest prayers.