From our archived blog: (Please note that some of the pages referenced here no longer exist)
We often talk on here about prayer needs. On our "How You Can Help" page, the first thing we mention is that you can pray for us! There was a time where I felt like if all I could do was commit to pray for someone, that was pretty pointless. I felt guilty for not being able to give financially. Was prayer really that big of a deal? Standing on the other side, as the one desperately in need of prayer, I can testify to the fact that prayer is a big deal. We are still early in the process of serving with Wycliffe, and already we are engaged in a spiritual battle.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, an, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:10-19Do we need people who will partner with us financially? Absolutely. But prayer partners are every bit as valuable and necessary. We have a real enemy, and he desires to see our family destroyed, discouraged, and disqualified. Does the enemy of God want to see Bibleless people hold God's life-changing Word? Absolutely not! When you commit to pray for us, you are protecting us and holding us up in an invaluable way. I love this quote from Charles Spurgeon about the importance of prayer.
It is interesting how large a portion of Sacred Writ is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, 'Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord;' and just as we are about to close the volume, the 'Amen' of an earnest supplication meets our ear. Instances are plentiful. Here we find a wrestling Jacob - there a Daniel who prayed three times a day- and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elijah; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises. What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer? We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in his Word, he intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If he has said much about prayer, it is because he knows we have much need of it.