Praying with Paul: 'Foregoing Rights'

Sunday, April 12, 2026

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Dear Father, who sees my heart,

Help me to follow the excellent example of the Apostle Paul. Though he had a right to earn his livelihood from his preaching, he didn't do so. He chose not to make full use of his rights in the gospel and instead preached the message free of charge.

Grant that my service to you will not be motivated by monetary gain or personal ambition. Whatever I do, let it be done out of love for you, your Son, your Word and your holy people.

Help me never to put any obstacle in the way of the proclamation of the Good News about Jesus Christ to all who need to hear.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

1 Corinthians 9:14
Devo: Today's Verse
"In the same way [as God commanded farm animals to be fed for their work], the LORD has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living..."
1 Corinthians 9:15
Devo: Today's Verse
"[In talking about others having the right to be supported in their ministry, the apostle Paul says of himself,] "But I have not used any of these rights. And I...."
Paul Boasts a Little
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15
Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15 -- But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast.© Copyright 1973, 1978, 19
Thank God for Preachers
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14
Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14 -- In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
See All 5 Related Resources about 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Illustration

Foregoing Rights — 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 12, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Rejected Leadership, Rejected God' (Acts 7:39-41)
"[Stephen, in his defense before the council, emphasized how the Jewish ancestors had turned against Moses during their time in the Sinai wilderness:]...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Nehemiah 3:15
"Mention of the king's garden by Nehemiah brings to mind the paradise which the King of kings prepared for Adam. Sin has utterly ruined that fair abode..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Life to Our Mortal Bodies' (Ro. 8:11)
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Greater Testimony' (Jn. 5:33-34)
"[Jesus continued addressing the Jewish leaders:] "In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the [Baptizer], and his testimony about me was..."

About This Devotional

Eldon Degge turns the apostle Paul's writings into daily, powerful prayers.

Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

More Praying with Paul