In the writings of Paul he makes at least eight direct appeals to his brethren for prayer on his behalf (Rom. 15:30-33; 2 Cor. 1:10-11; Eph. 6:18-20; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:2-4; 1 Thes. 5:25; 2 Thes. 3:1-5; Phile. 1:22). Let’s take a brief look at each of these requests, comment very briefly, and then draw a few conclusions.
Romans 15:30-33 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
Paul requested prayers for deliverance from unbelievers who could potentially hinder his efforts to deliver the collection to the poor saints in Jerusalem (see Rom. 15:26).
2 Corinthians 1:10-11 – “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
Paul very much viewed the prayers of his brethren as a vital help regarding opposition he faced. His deliverance through their prayers will result in more people being blessed through hearing the word of God.
Ephesians 6:18-20 – “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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Paul asked that his brethren pray for his boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even amidst trials and imprisonment.
Philippians 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,”
Paul knows of the care the Philippians have for him (see 4:10) and naturally assumes they will be praying for his deliverance.
Colossians 4:2-4 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 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— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
Paul asks his brethren to pray for God to open doors for the Gospel and that he make speak the message with clarity.
1 Thessalonians 5:25 – “Brothers, pray for us.”
This is the only general prayer request that Paul makes of his brethren.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 – “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.”
Paul again prays for deliverance from adversaries and that the Word of God may be well received just as it was with them.
Philemon 1:22 – “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”
Paul knows of Philemon’s prayers, or assumes them, and has confidence that through them he will have opportunity to be with him.
CONCLUSIONS FROM PAUL’S PRAYER REQUESTS
- Paul believed in prayer (or, better said, in God!) and that the prayers of his brethren were of great value… certainly just as valuable as his prayers. No Christian is closer than others to the throne of God!
- Paul believed that the prayers of his brethren were a part of his work of preaching the Gospel. They ministered with him through prayer. In this way they shared (or had fellowship) in the work. Paul never minimized the contributions of his brethren to the work he was involved in or made them feel that his work was far superior to their work.
- Most of Paul’s prayer requests were in some way tied to the teaching and reception of the Gospel. Even his prayer requests for deliverance from trials was for the purpose of being able to further spread the Gospel. His prayer requests were far from selfish in nature and instead were highly spiritual in nature, related directly to the ministry of Christ in seeking and saving the lost (see Lk. 19:10).
What can you learn from and use from studying the prayer requests of Paul?
Daren Schroeder
