Personal prayer is the key.
Paul Washer, the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society, emphasized the significance of personal prayer, cautioning against getting distracted by what he described as “trifling” ministries. In his sermon at the Shepherds Conference, Washer referenced Mark 1:29-38, where Jesus is seen healing people but later withdrawing to pray and then telling His disciples He must continue preaching elsewhere. Washer highlighted that while having solid theology is important, it does not replace the need for ongoing communion with Christ through personal prayer.
He underscored that the key lesson from the passage is Jesus’ deep commitment to prayer, explaining that in prayer, there is no public glory, only divine connection. Washer warned his audience, composed mostly of pastors, that ministry alone won’t thrive without a foundation of personal prayer. He pointed out that while rest is necessary, prayer is even more important, surpassing both sleep and ministry duties.
Addressing the nature of ministry, Washer criticized unnecessary “trifling trinket ministries” and emphasized that prayer is essential. He quoted Charles H. Spurgeon, who valued teaching one person to pray more than teaching many to preach. Washer noted that Spurgeon’s success was rooted not in his intellect but in his dedication to prayer, making his sermons deeply impactful.
Washer also touched on the Bible’s teaching about prayer, particularly in Luke 11, where a disciple asks Jesus to teach them to pray. He found it remarkable that the disciples didn’t ask Jesus to teach them other impressive feats, like teaching or casting out demons, but instead focused on prayer. Washer believed the most extraordinary thing about Jesus was His communion with God through prayer, which shaped His ministry.
At the conference, Washer urged pastors to commit to both prayer and labor for the Kingdom, insisting that the two should go hand in hand. The event also featured a video message from John MacArthur, the prominent pastor of Grace Community Church, who reflected on his long ministry and the realization that he was nearing the end of his life, expressing gratitude for all God had accomplished through him.