Beginning today, we will examine and reflect upon the prayers of Paul recorded in the New Testament. We can learn much and be inspired by how Paul prayed and for what Paul prayed. Before we examine the details of these prayers, there are a couple of things that impact me right away.
First, these prayers are contained in what are called Paul's prison letters written to communities of believers while Paul was incarcerated. I don't know about you, but if I'm in prison, I'm thinking about ME and not someone else, much less praying for them! It shows the selflessness of Paul even during a personally difficult time in his life. His heart was on others, not on himself. This really should be the foundation for much of our praying. It should be spent interceding to God on behalf of others. It remind me of the words of Paul in Philippians 2:4, "Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interest, but about the interests of others as well." In these prayers, Paul was seeking to encourage others at a time when he could have used encouragement himself. What an example to all of us!
Secondly, what strikes me is the nature of these prayers. Paul is primarily praying for the spiritual growth and maturity of these Christians. As I learned growing up in a church environment, most Christians occupy their prayer life with the physical needs of one another. Let me say right away, that it is good and right to pray for these things. However, we should also seek as Paul did throughout the New Testament to pray for each other's spiritual needs. Paul understood and sought to impart this understanding to us: If we are spiritually strong, we are better equipped to deal with life when physical trials or emotional pressure comes.
So, let's use these prayers of Paul to motivate and inspire our prayer life. These prayers can be found in: Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1:3-11; Colossians 1:9-14. Just read over these prayers and let the Holy Spirit lead and teach.
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