Pray for John Piper

More influencial than any thinker, philosopher, writer, politician, or teacher in my life has been, and continues to be, John Piper. It is rare that I pray for somebody I have never met or seen as regularly as I do for John Piper--aside from the Bible, his works and faithful preaching have been most influencial in my walk of faith. I read from Rae's site this morning that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The following is from a letter he wrote for his congregation:

"This news has, of course, been good for me. The most dangerous thing in the world is the sin of self-reliance and the stupor of worldliness. The news of cancer has a wonderfully blasting effect on both. I thank God for that. The times with Christ in these days have been unusually sweet."

We can join with him and his congregation in praying for the following (from his letter):

"So I am praying: “Lord, for your great glory, 1) don’t let me miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for me in this experience; 2) don’t let the church miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for us in this; 3) grant that the surgery be successful in removing cancer and sparing important nerves; 4) grant that this light and momentary trial would work to spread a passion for your supremacy for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ; 5) may Noel and all close to me be given great peace—and all of this through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” I hope God will lead you to pray in a similar way."