We all can neglect prayers to our own disadvantage.
It’s often because we are too prideful to request for prayers, for fear that we
may be seen as weak. But not so with Paul, the great apostle. He knew that other
believers’ support in prayer would help him to advance and to be effective in
service. In requesting for prayer, he showed his dependence on the Lord and
fellow believers in the service he was rendering to the Lord. He was also
showing us that any Christian ministry is a collaboration between the Lord and
his worker. It came as no surprise then that he should tell the Ephesians to
pray.
In verse 18, he tells us when we are to pray, what
we are to pray about and for whom we should pray for. We are to pray all the time for all things and
for all the saints. Paul also requested them to pray for him. He made two specific
appeals: firstly, that he would have the right words to speak when he shared
the Gospel, and that he would have the courage to do so.
While he might be a prisoner in chains, his desire
was to boldly preach the mystery of the Gospel. His goal was for everyone to
know that in Christ, now both Gentile and Jews can have access to God. He might
be in chains, but he never forgot that he was Christ’s ambassador and he was
bent on seizing every moment to speak for Him.
Christian fellowship is at
its best when we pray for one other. We should learn not to be critical of
others for how they conduct themselves, but should instead pray for each other.
We pray for each other to find our strength to serve God. As we pray God will
empower and grant boldness to us to face all obstacles and all opponents. So
let us pray!
No comments:
Post a Comment