Prayer must carry on our work as much as preaching; he preacheth not heartily to his people that will not pray for them

Prayer must carry on our work as much as preaching; he preacheth not heartily to his people that will not pray for them

Richard Baxter was a prominent English Puritan church leader, theologian, and writer who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his strong emphasis on the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, as well as in the ministry of preaching. Baxter believed that prayer was essential for the success of preaching, as it was through prayer that the preacher could seek God's guidance, wisdom, and power to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel to the people.

In his famous work, "The Reformed Pastor," Baxter wrote, "Prayer must carry on our work as much as preaching; he preacheth not heartily to his people that will not pray for them." This statement reflects Baxter's belief that prayer and preaching were inseparable in the ministry of a pastor. He understood that preaching alone was not enough to bring about spiritual transformation in the lives of the people, but that prayer was necessary to accompany and support the preaching of the Word.

Baxter believed that prayer was a powerful tool that could move the hearts of the people and bring about true repentance, faith, and obedience. He saw prayer as a means of connecting with God and seeking His will and guidance in all aspects of ministry. Baxter himself was known for his fervent prayer life, spending hours each day in prayer and meditation on God's Word.

For Baxter, prayer was not just a duty or a ritual, but a vital and intimate relationship with God. He believed that through prayer, the preacher could cultivate a deep sense of compassion, love, and concern for the spiritual well-being of his congregation. By praying for his people, the preacher could demonstrate his genuine care and commitment to their spiritual growth and maturity.