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I. THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH.

1. In reference to Paul.

(1) He expected to be prayed for. He does not ask for, but assumes that he has their prayers. Would that all pastors could assume as much. Some are rich in this, but some terribly poor.

(2) He valued the prayers of the saints. He was an apostle, but could not do without them; how much more we.

(3) He looked for great results from them. He wanted them all the more because his troubles were heavier than usual; so do ministers in these evil days.

2. In reference particularly to ministers.

(1) They may justly claim the prayers of their brethren.

(a)  To help them in their duties, so that they may be made effectual.

(b)  They are burdened with remarkable responsibilities.

(c)  They have an experience singular to themselves.

(d)  They have subtle, numerous, and peculiar temptations — pride; despondency.

(e)  They have many discouragements.

(2) The prayers which are wanted are those of the entire Church. From some other labour some of you might be exempted, but not from this.

(a)  Of all who profit by our ministry. If you feed upon the Word pray that others may do so; if you don't, do not unkindly speak of it everywhere, but tell the Lord about it.

(b)  Of converts.

(c)  Of the aged with their experience, and the young with their freshness.

(d)  Of the absent through sickness, etc. How effective the ministry of the helpless who can yet pray.

(3) The prayers of God's people ought to go up for their minister in many forms.

(a)  It should be daily work.

(b)  If we expect a blessing on our families through the ministry, we should as families ask God to bless it.

(c)  Then there are our prayer meetings, etc.

(d)  There should be especial prayer by each Christian at home before every service.

(4) These prayers, to be good for anything, will be attended with consistent lives.

II. THE SUPPLY OF THE SPIRIT.

1. The Spirit we want is —

(1)  The Spirit who rested on Christ.

(2)  The Spirit, the Comforter, who represents Christ.

2. This Spirit is essential to every true minister. All other gifts, however desirable, may be dispensed with, but for the conversion of souls this is the one essential.

(1)  The preacher must be taught of the Spirit, else how shall he speak?

(2)  He must be inflamed by the Spirit.

(3)  He must have the unction of the Spirit.

3. The supply of the Spirit is essential to the edification of the Church of God. To build up a church.

(1)  Light is needed.

(2)  Love.

(3)  Holiness.

(4)  Zeal.

4. For the conversion of sinners. Who can enlighten the blind eye, quicken the dead soul, but the Spirit?

5. For the progress of the gospel and the victory of truth.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

WEB: For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,