I continue to find encouragement and challenge in asking this question: When Paul asks for personal prayer (only 4 times I can find recorded in the New Testament), what did he actually want people to ask God for? What did Paul desire most? What was on his mind?
I’ll tell you. But first, think about what we all tend to share when it’s our turn to offer a prayer request. I think about all the things on our minds: better health, more money, happiness, companionship, ease of suffering, personal achievement. . .
Wouldn’t Paul want these things, too? What did Paul seem to care about if not these?
I find powerful requests noted in the verses below: Paul asks for safety, favor, refreshment, clarity of expression, boldness, an open door for the message of Jesus, and the rapid spread of the gospel. What strikes me about these requests is that Paul doesn’t ask for different circumstances, ease of living, or anything related to personal gain. Consider these moments:
Safety, Favor, and Refreshment: Romans 15: 30-32: I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Clarity of Speech and Boldness: Ephesians 6: 19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
An Open Door for the Message: Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Rapid Spread of the Gospel: 2 Thessalonians 3:1: As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.
What if I added these requests to my own daily catalogue of personal concerns? Wouldn’t these prayer moments elevate my thinking to an eternal, rather than temporal perspective? Wouldn’t these prayers shape the day into a greater purpose? Lord, keep us safe. Grant us favor for the work or offering we contribute. Lord, refresh us. Lord, help us talk about you today with clarity and boldness. Open a door for us to do so. And may the gospel spread rapidly in our neighborhoods and communities. Amen!