Praying for God’s People (part 1)
Praying for God’s People (part 1)
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength”
Ephesians 1:16-19 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/eph.1.16-19.niv
As I continue through chapter 1 of Ephesians my heart was touched that Paul for those believers. I found this passage instructive regarding the value of prayer and how we can pray for others.
- Tell them
Paul made a point in his letter to tell those to whom he was reading that he was praying for them. It is encouraging to hear that someone cares enough about you that they would remember you as they are bringing requests to the throne of God.
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,”
Philemon 1:4 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/phm.1.4.niv
When we talk about the marvelous things that God can do it is an encouragement.
“Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1th.4.18.niv
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1th.5.11.niv
It was typical in the various letters written to God’s people that they were told that they were being prayed for. Here are several references to verses thar tell the recipients of the letters that they were remembered in prayer. demonstrate a heart of gratitude for believers:
1Tim. 2:1-2 Phil. 1:3 Col1:3 11hess1:2 2Thess 1:3
Col 4:2
- Be Thankful
In addition to encouraging the saints (God’s holy people) by telling them that he prays for them, the apostle Paul lets them know that he is thankful for them.
Phil. 1:3 Col1:3 11hess1:2 2Thess 1:3
I am reminded of the importance and value of praying for gods people.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—”
1 Timothy 2:1 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1ti.2.1.niv
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1th.5.18.niv
When we pray about everything with thanksgiving we are protected from anxiety.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/php.4.6.niv
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/php.4.7.niv
- Continue in Prayer
Paul stated in his letter that he continues to pray for the Ephesian believers. God in the scriptures has much instruction regarding prayer
We are told to never stop praying
“pray continually,”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1th.5.17.niv
We can continue praying even
If it looks impossible (all things are possible with God). We do not stop praying though it has been a long time. (God has perfect timing).
We are urged to be joyful patient and faithful to pray.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.12.niv
- Ask the Father
Another thing that I liked when I pondered this passage when Pau told those people in Ephesus that he prayed for them is that he acknowledged that he was asking the “ glorious Father”. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray “Our Father Who is in heaven…” (Luke 11:1-4)
Our Heavenly Father gives what is perfect.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.17.niv
In this post I focused on the foundation and value of prayer.
I plan to do another blog post on the specific ways he prayed.
Paul asked God that they would have:
Wisdom and Revelation to know
- The Father better
- Hope
- Riches of His glorious grace
- Incomparable great (resurrection power
God‘s word has much instruction for us regarding prayer. Here is a link to many verses;
https://www.openbible.info/topics/prayer
Songs about prayer
When we pray
Lord’s Prayer
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