1 Corinthians 16:15-16 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”
“Sovereign God,
Thy cause, not my own, engages my heart, and I appeal to thee with the greatest freedom to set up thy kingdom in every place where Satan reins; Glorify thyself and I shall rejoice, for to bring honor to thy name is my sole desire.
I adore thee that thou art God, and long that others should know it, feel it, and rejoice in it. O that men might love and praise thee, that thou mightest have all glory from the intelligent world!
Let sinners be brought to thee for thy dear name!To the eye of reason everything respecting the conversation of others is as dark as midnight, But thou canst accomplish great things; the cause is thine, and it is to thy glory that men should be saved.
Lord, use me as thou wilt; but O, promote thy cause. let thy blessed kingdom come, let thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!
O do thou bring in great numbers to Jesus! Let me see that glorious day, and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls; let me be willing to die to that end; and while I live let me labor for thee to the utmost of my strength, spending time profitably in thy work, both in health and in weakness.
It is thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own. O, thou answer my request!”
Taken from “The Valley of Vision – A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions” Edited by Arthur Bennett