Partnership in the Gospel: Generosity & Prayer

When Paul wrote to the Romans, his heart was full of gratitude, not just for what God had done through him, but for the people who had partnered with him along the way. In Romans 15:22–33, we see a picture of gospel partnership at its best—based on generosity and prayer.

Paul reminds us that the mission belongs to God alone. Every opportunity, every mile traveled, and every changed life is the result of God’s grace, not human greatness. Yet Paul doesn’t carry the mission alone; he invites others in. He says to the Romans, “You can provide for my journey.” In that short phrase lies a powerful truth: generosity is gospel work.

When we give, we don’t just support ministry—we participate in it. We become part of God’s redemptive story, linking arms with believers across places and generations. As Ben Witherington noted, Christians are not owners but stewards. Everything we have—time, talents, and treasure—belongs to God. When we live open-handedly, generosity moves from duty to delight.

But Paul also knew the mission can’t move forward without prayer. His words, “Join in my struggle by praying to God for me,” remind us that prayer is the power behind partnership. When we pray, we join in battles our eyes can’t see and become part of victories we may never personally witness.

Together, generosity and prayer form the heartbeat of the Church. They unite us, stretch us, and advance the gospel to the ends of the earth. My prayer for Lifehouse is that we’d be a people known for both—open hands and open hearts, partnering with God in His mission to redeem the world.