Prayers of brothers and sisters
We’ve looked at prayer, meaning our prayers, but how much do we value the prayers of our brothers and sisters for us?
I expect that we’d find that we value them in proportion to the degree that we believe in the power of prayer. Surely if we really believe that prayer works then we will really appreciate the prayers of others, whereas if we have little confidence in the power of prayer we won’t really be bothered whether or not others are praying for us.
Paul really believed in the power of prayer and so he really valued the prayers of others. That might surprise us given that he was an apostle, he was God’s chosen instrument to take the gospel to the gentiles and so he knew what his work was and that God would use him in it. He was also much more mature as a Christian than most who could pray for him. Yet he was constantly asking others to remember him in their prayers!
Now what is interesting is to look at what things he was asking them to pray for him. We know he had a “thorn in his flesh” but he doesn’t ask that they pray about that. He clearly had a wrecked body given all the beatings, 39 lashes x 5, beatings with rods x 3, stoned once and so on, but he doesn’t ask for prayers for healing. Rather these are the things he asks for prayer for: deliverance (and protection) from wicked men, but on most occasions his focus is on the work of the gospel and his part in it. e.g.
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Eph 6:19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Col 4:3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
Col 4:4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
2Th 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,
2Th 3:2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
Friend, how much do you value the prayers of others? How willing are you to ask others for prayer? and when you do, what things are you concerned that they should be praying for you? Surely in these days we all need our hearts and minds to be protected from the evil one. We all need prayer that we will not waver in our faith and have full assurance of faith. We all need prayer that we will continue to delight in God and be faithful to Him in how we serve Him.
Can I say how much I truly value your prayers for myself, Sue and the work God has called me to.
Listen to what Paul says regarding the prayers of others:
Php 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
He was fully convinced that God would hear their prayers and answer them, and so he valued them greatly! Do you?