In Praying for Souls, June 6

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:4, 5.RRe 159.1

Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness.... Paul exhorts believers to “pray without ceasing,” in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, making known their requests to God. “Pray one for another,” James says.—Testimonies for the Church 7:42.RRe 159.2

Learn to exercise faith in presenting your neighbors before the throne of grace, and pleading with God to touch their hearts.—Testimonies for the Church 8:245.RRe 159.3

Souls are to be sought for, prayed for, labored for. Earnest appeals are to be made. Fervent prayers are to be offered. Our tame, spiritless petitions are to be changed into petitions of intense earnestness. God’s word declares, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:12.RRe 159.4

“In all my prayers for you all I always pray with a sense of joy.” Philippians 1:4, Moffatt.RRe 159.5

The minister is not to rule imperiously over the flock intrusted to his care, but to be their ensample, and to show them the way to Heaven. Following the example of Christ, he should intercede with God for the people of his care till he sees that his prayers are answered.—Testimonies for the Church 4:267.RRe 159.6

“Always in every prayer ... making request with joy.”RRe 159.7