"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4).

The word “but” in Acts 6:4 is a strong word when read in its entire context. It means that these church elders will not allow anything good, urgent, necessary or “life and death” ministry to keep them from their God-called priorities of prayer and the Word.

What they are saying is, “You may need food to live, but other ministers will care for this need (namely, the deacons).” That was the message and strategic priority determined in Acts 6.

Prayer is the most difficult part of the elders’ work. Prayer is simple to define.  The difficulty comes in praying well, praying comprehensively, praying pastorally to grab hold of the mercy of God and not let go until it pours out upon His church. Such prayer is laborious. To do it well requires much time and discipline. It cannot take place without scheduling uninterrupted time. It cannot take place without turning over important mercy ministries to others in the Body.

When the apostles recognized that certain ministries had begun to hamper their God - mandated prayer time and Word ministry, they aggressively dealt with the issue. Time for  unhurried prayer and meditation about our responsibilities in light of the Scriptures, as well as prayer for the fruitfulness of the ministry of the Word of God among His flock is nothing less than essential for the elders of the church.

Pray for the elders of MEC. Pray that we’d be jealous about guarding our time for the work of prayer and the ministry of the Word. The result will be that the Word of God will be spread,  the flock will be better shepherded, the number of disciples will increase, and many will be saved, becoming obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).