Tuesday: Paul’s Intercessory Prayers
Intercessory prayer is biblical. Throughout his ministry, Paul prayed for the new converts in the churches that he established through his evangelistic ministry. Paul believed that something happened when he prayed that would not happen if he did not pray. Although he was separated from those he loved, he recognized that they could be united in heart as they prayed for each other.
Read Ephesians 1:15-21. On the lines below, list the different requests Paul made to God for the Ephesians. What did he specifically ask God to give them?
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Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers is remarkable. He prayed that God would give them wisdom and spiritual discernment, that He would enlighten their minds with divine truth and give them the hope of eternal life. He also prayed that they would experience the mighty working of God’s power in their lives. This God is so powerful, so mighty, that He raised Jesus from the dead, an event that forms the foundation of their hope of eternal life in Him. His prayer concludes by reminding them of the “riches of Christ’s glory” and “His inheritance”. The Ephesian Christians must have been filled with encouragement, knowing that Paul was praying for them and knowing what he was praying about.
Read Philippians 1:3-11 and note the tone of Paul’s prayer. If you were a Philippian church member and received a letter like this from Paul, sharing with you not only that he was praying for you but the content of his prayer, how would you feel, and why? What promises are found in its words? At the same time, what admonitions are there, as well?
These are some of the most uplifting and encouraging words in the Bible, filled with promises, as well as calls to be filled with the love and knowledge and discernment that comes from knowing Jesus so that we can be all that God intends us to be in Him.
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The "big picture" message that I get from Paul's intercessory prayers is how important it was for him to pray for one another.
It gave me a pause to think about how little I pray for my fellow believers, giving thanks to them. All too often we pray about one another because we don't see eye-to-eye on some doctrinal or liturgical issue. How often do we pray giving thanks for those in our church community, even when we disagree with them?
I will have to remember that the next time I am dismissive of some who irritates me in my local community of believers.
Eph 1:15-23
What have I learned about praying for others from Paul?
Why – because I really care about them
How – knowing them very well
What – their specific need today
When – as often as I pray
Next – let them know, I am praying for their specific need
Then open my heart to be the LORD’s agent to solve the needs, where possible.
What I found was interesting, Paul’s prayer to the LORD was short and to the point – “give them the spirit of wisdom & revelation in the knowledge of Jesus”
Then he explained to the saints what that meant:
Their understanding being enlightened so that they -
-May know the hope of His calling
-May know the richness of His inheritance
-May know the surpassing greatness of His power toward them
-Because He raised Christ from the dead
-Because He seated Him in the heavenly realm
-Raising Jesus far above all principality and authority and power and dominion
Then Paul wrote the rest of the letter to the Ephesians to minister to their spiritual needs.
May we all have,
1) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus,
2) the eyes of understanding enlightened,
3) the hope of Jesus calling,
4) the riches of the glory of Jesus inheritance,
5) the greatness of Jesus power,
6) fellowship in the gospel,
7) confidence of Jesus work within ourselves,
8) part in Jesus grace,
9) excellency,
10) sincerity without offense,
11) the fruits of righteousness,
12) the love which abounds in knowledge and all discernment,
13) lives for the glory and praise of God.
Every time I read these texts in Ephesians and Philippians, I often wondered if Paul mention each individual believer by name as suggested in our lesson. If so, then I wonder how much time he spent in prayer, considering the many believers there was. As an elder of a church, these texts gave me an inspiration to present each one including the member of their families, young and old, baptized or not (as our membership is only on the 60s) into God's throne of grace--petitioning Him to grant their individual request whatever it maybe. I praise the Lord that our church family relationship grows stronger as time passed--all members cooperating in Church activities.
What jumped out at me in today’s lesson, was not only were Paul’s words encouraging, but just knowing that instead of sulking away in his prison cell, he was busy encouraging others. He was busy praying for others. I’m sure he had his moments, but it almost seems like his prison cell was irrelevant to o him, it was an opportunity to pray for, and encourage others. It really shows his depth of commitment to God and his fellow believers.
Karen: Your mention of what he did from his prison cell, made me think of our
current semi isolation brought on by the virus. Paul is an inspiration for us to
make good use of this solitary time instead of bemoaning our circumstances.
Paul praying for the members took on a spiritual tone. He was not asking for house, rent, mortgage, clothing, money etc. How often when we pray we are so quick to bring our own shopping list to the throne room that we forget the real reason and purpose for the prayer. If he takes care of all sparrows, don’t we know he will take care of us and our friends. Many people limit the power of God in their thinking. Which leads me to our relationship with God. Are we on talking terms? How is our relationship? I stop praying for those, I ask for strength for the day, wisdom to know right from wrong, to teach me how to deal with others. Guidance.
I hope the theme of Paul's intercessory prayers is what our own pastors and spiritual leaders have in their hearts and minds when praying for their congregations. One would want these requests to be made on behalf of every member in the churches throughout the lands at all times!
They provide insight into Paul's personal understanding of the responsibility he felt toward the spiritual welfare and growth of the 'saints' at Ephesus and Philippi; though I am sure that he felt this same sense of custodianship toward the saints of all the churches he and his fellow co-workers established throughout the lands.
Paul's prayers tell us what was important to him - the fostering of the spiritual depth and breadth of all who adjoined themself to the faith of Jesus. These two churches were started in the 'heathen' territory, needing an extra portion of strength; but every new believer's life starts with faith.
I appreciate J.Z. establishing this list of the many areas in which this spiritual growth takes place; all of them equally important, and all needing nurturing throughout our lifetime.
Phil.1:6 encourages us to be confident that: 'he which hath begun a good work in you will perform(complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ. Looking over J.Z.'s list, we might find one or the other area of spiritual growth standing out to us, personally. Our prayers could focus on these, so for the Holy Spirit to still develop/mature them in us.
Eph.2:4-22 provides us with a full understanding of the goal toward which Paul's intercessory prayer was directed.
Fellow believers from all over the world are to be united by the assurance that we are all: v.20 'built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Phil.1:9-11 - v.11:'Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Good evening everyone am here asking foryour pray am making my way back to the lord and I need your pray thank you
Shelly, I have asked the LORD to embrace you in His loving arms and I am sending you a virtual hug from me, 🙋🙆
I have found my daily early morning talk with Jesus helpful to draw me ever closer to His loving kindness and tender mercies. Ps 103:4
Hi Shelly - happy to find you letting us know that you are on your way 'back to the Lord'. I am very happy that you reached out to us for prayer support on your behalf!!
Yes, prayers will go out to help strengthen your desire and faith to trust Jesus with all of your needs. He offers us to take our burdens on Himself, so that we can rest.
Matt.6:25 and Matt.11:28,29 - will give you comfort!
welldone Shirley may God cover you under His wings {{Psalms 91}}
Shelly am praying for you and may good Lord smooth the way for you.
Shelly, Do not let outside interference keep you from studying your Bible. Start each day thanking God for waking you up. Read Psalms. I am personally enjoying this lesson more than any other. I am trying to pray for my family, I made a list. Coworkers that I know who don't believe. I am praying for you guys too and I don't know you. If you can, listen to Season Cromwell on Lets Pray from Direct tv channel 368. Awesome preacher. She has come a long way. God will bless you.
Happy Sabbath.
I got saved on July 4,2020.
I am enjoying learning about our Saviour. I really love this lesson.
I think when we pray for others we lend them our faith. It is our confidence and assurance in Jesus Christ that gives us that urge to lift up others in prayer.
Please pray for me as I embrace my Journey with Christ. Thank you
Tammy, praise the LORD, all heaven is rejoicing that you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, invite Him into your heart daily and let His love embrace you.