A Longing to Visit
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Rev. (Rtd). Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 5, 2026 | Romans 1:9–15
KEY VERSE: “. . . that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.” (Romans 1:9-10, ESV)
MESSAGE:
Visitation has always been a critical part of church growth and fellowship. The Christian faith grows through teaching, prayer, encouragement, shared burdens, and personal contact. Paul understood this well, and his words to the believers in Rome reveal a deep longing to visit them.
This longing was not casual. Paul had taken it to God in serious prayer. He mentioned the Roman believers constantly and asked that, by God’s will, a way might open for him to come to them. His desire to visit was submitted to God's will. He longed to go, and he trusted God to open the way.
Scripture affirms this ministry of visitation. In Acts 15:36, Paul desired to revisit the brethren and see how they were doing. Apostle John also valued face-to-face fellowship, as seen in his second and third letters.
Paul gives three reasons for his planned visit. He wanted to strengthen the believers, encourage one another in their faith, and share the gospel among them. His visit was for himself, the church, and the unsaved.
This calls church leaders, denominational leaders, ministry workers, and members to take visitation seriously. Prayerful and purposeful visitation strengthens believers, deepens fellowship, and opens doors for gospel witness.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Value visitation as a ministry of strengthening, encouragement, fellowship, and gospel witness.
Reach out to someone today through a visit, a call, or a thoughtful message.
As a church or ministry leader, prayerfully make visitation more intentional, consistent, and fruitful.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, give us a deeper longing for meaningful fellowship and faithful visitation. Help us to strengthen one another, encourage Your church, and use every opportunity to share the gospel. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: WITHOUT CEASING
Adialeiptōs is the Greek word behind “without ceasing.” It means constantly, regularly, or without giving up. In Romans 1:9, Paul says he mentioned the Roman believers “without ceasing” in his prayers.
His longing to visit them was carried before God again and again. Paul desired fellowship, strengthening, mutual encouragement, and gospel fruit, so he prayed for God to open the way.
Reflect on this:
Prayer should shape our desire to visit, encourage, and strengthen others.
Ask God to place people on your heart and guide you toward meaningful fellowship that builds faith and serves the gospel.
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