Your Prayers Change the Minister
One Sunday in Ireland, Wesley Duewel preached at a Presbyterian church, a Methodist church, and then was taken to a Baptist church for his final message of the day.
As he sat behind the pulpit, he felt weary and spiritually empty. He bowed his head in his hands and prayed, "O Lord, You have been so gracious with me and used me today. But now I feel so empty and dry. I have many things I could say, but how do I know what You want me to say? I am like the man whose friend came at midnight who had nothing to set before him. O Lord, I have nothing fresh to give these people. I bow my head for You to place Your hand upon me again. I need a new anointing."
As he raised his head, he saw a godly Irish farmer and his wife and daughter enter the church. He knew them and was surprised they had driven so far.
Wesley Duewel said, "As I stepped behind the pulpit, a fresh anointing came upon me from heaven. Instantly my weariness was gone, my thoughts began to flow rapidly, and I sensed the anointing of the Lord upon me. God came mightily and took charge of the service."
Just before the benediction, the pastor said, "This is not an ordinary service. God has spoken to us tonight. Go silently to the door. I will have Brother Duewel stand at the door. If you are going to pray for him and his ministry, just grip his hand as you go out the door. Go home, get down on your knees beside your bed, and God what He would have you do."
As he stood by the door, person after person came with tears and gripped his hand. Then came the Mulligans. Mr. Mulligan squeezed his hand so forcefully that Wesley almost winced. Mrs. Mulligan gripped his hand, and with tears, said, "I'll just say this. Our family spent the entire afternoon on our knees praying for you and for this service!"
Dear Lord, You still give the gracious anointing in answer to prayer.
"Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you" (1 Sam. 12:23).
"For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance" (Philippians 1:19)
