Have you ever heard of the name Daniel Nash? Not too many people have, but if you will look at his tombstone you will find a couple of descriptors concerning his life.

First of all,  it reads, “Pastor, 1816-1822.” Daniel Nash served as a pastor for six years, before some members of his church led for his dismissal saying that he was too old (He was forty-six at the time). After this hurtful experience Daniel removed himself from public ministry but continued in a very vital role. The second descriptor reads, “Laborer with Finney mighty in prayer.” Even at a seminary few have ever heard of Daniel Nash, but most have heard of Charles Finney, prominent evangelist from the Second Great Awakening.

You may ask how did Nash serve with Finney? Through prayer, much prayer, constant, consistent prayer. The practice was for Nash to go ahead of Finney, find two or three like minded believers, and begin to pray for God’s movement in the area. After what was sometimes weeks of preparation through prayer, Finney would arrive for the meeting. Often times Nash would not even attend the services but  would stay in a season of prayer. Finney was absolutely convinced that the power of concentrated prayer was the effectual element of his preaching and this was evident in two very clear ways. First, if there seemed to be little effectiveness in the services, Finney would pause the event, and petition Nash for greater fervency in prayer. Second, when Nash died, Finney ceased his itinerant ministry in a matter of months.

What’s the point?

• First, may we be reminded that God is not in need of our creativity, our great talent, our eloquence, or any other human element. If there is anything of any value, it comes from Him anyway. The truth is that we are desperately dependent upon Him, in reality completely dependent upon Him, if we are to see any change with any eternal value.

• Second, may God convict us to be men and women of consistent, fervent, and expectant prayer.

• Third, may we commit to pray for those we know that stand consistently to preach and teach the Word of God. May we ask God to move in such a way that is far beyond the norm and the expected. May God burden our hearts to see the results of His heart and not our efforts.