But if we say, “I have prayed such and such on your behalf,” it’s more credible, and more comforting. Small group leaders should pray for their people. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:9-12). It has been called one of the tools of Christian growth and one of the spiritual disciplines. Paul’s apostolate began in prayer and, according to tradition, … When we consider the many sins that existed in the church at Corinth, we can understand why Paul would be so thankful for God’s grace. When a pastor tells them, “I ask God to give you this particular thing, and those particular things,” doesn’t that set a instructive example for them? (W.B. Paul told his people that he prayed for them continually. Pastoral Prayer by Paul Meeks #17 Let's talk to the Sovereign Lord of the world and even the whole universe. Every day our St. Paul’s intercessors, through prayer, join their faith, hope and energy to … Paul was not the only leader who prayed for his people. We are encouraged when we learn that people are praying for us, so it only makes sense that we can encourage them by acknowledging some of the details in which we are praying for them. There is no prayer in Titus, but it is prominent in Philemon: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. Part of ourneed, as leaders of God’s people, is to pray for the people God has called us to serve. Paul begins with praise in verse 3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”. Prayer is part of each Christian’s life, and it is part of the spiritual health of the church. How many of us pray, as Paul did, that our members are active in sharing their faith? Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! There is an ancient mantra from church history, “As the church prays, so she believes.” Our congregation develops her view of God, the … We have a request, and we should therefore bring it to God in prayer (Phil. He didn’t let it stop him. Notice also that Paul emphasized his prayers by calling on God himself as his witness. Paul is very open with the fact that he prays for his people, and he is open with some details of those prayers. It is a constructive thing, an edifying and unifying thing, to tell our people that we pray for them — and it is more effective to mention some specifics of our prayers for them. If we are mindful of how great the task is, and how small our own abilities are, we’ll find it easy to ask for help from the great Shepherd of our souls. Would we begin our message to such a church by praising the grace of God? Pastoral Prayer by Paul Meeks. Why was Paul so persistent in prayer for them? And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. It sends a message that prayer is a worthwhile activity, and it encourages members to pray for one another in greater detail, to be more mindful of one another’s needs. Paul’s Prayer. He did not pray to show off, but he was not ashamed of his prayers, either. to all … We're thankful for Who and What You are and we thank You for what You mean to us. Hunter, “Prayer,” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, edited by G. Hawthorne, R. Martin and D. Reid [InterVarsity, 1993], p. 725), In Ephesians, the thanksgiving section is unusually long. That it was pushed … Let’s pray for our members, and let’s let them know we are praying for them. Paul believed that prayer is necessary. But of ourselves, we cannot do it. Prayer: Paul’s Pastoral Prayers Prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. Paul’s apostolate began in prayer and, according to tradition, ended in prayer as he was martyred. We have a desire, and we have a need. 1:3-4). I’m thankful that he did this in public. Paul's Habits Of Prayer These are revealed almost unconsciously. Paul’s prayers are tremendously encouraging and informative. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (verses 17-19). I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (verses 17-19). Comfort with your presence those who are living in the shadow. Pastoral Prayer by Paul Meeks (# 14) Our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, we come to you today in the name of Jesus, the name that’s above every name in heaven and on The chief purpose in that book is to think through some of Paul’s prayers, so that we may align our prayer … by Charles Killian, Asbury Theological Seminary Professor 1970-2004I remember the noted George Buttrick saying to us preachers, “If you are so busy that you have to make a choice between preparing your sermon or preparing your pastoral prayer, make sure you prepare your prayer.” When questioned about that response, he added, “Remember to Whom the prayer … Even in a private letter, Paul shared his prayer for that person. And they are public, for our benefit. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”, And in 2 Thess. We are encouraged when we learn that people are praying for us, so it only makes sense that we can encourage them by acknowledging some of the details in which we are praying for them. Let’s go to the next epistle in the canon: “I thank my God every time I remember you. If you’d like to study this subject more…, Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, and Christian Living. Acts 16:25). Small group leaders should pray for their people. Grace Bible Church, NY. Let us pray boldly, let us pray confidently, and let us pray constantly. It must have been very encouraging for the people to realize that the apostle was praying for them, that he was thankful for them, that he wanted them to have more spiritual benefits. He gives us comfort so that we might comfort others. When Jesus was on the cross, he still prayed audibly, even though many unbelievers were there. All the while let us be … It isn’t wrong to pray in public — Jesus himself did it. God, I thank you for others. Let’s go to the next epistle and see how consistent Paul is: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints” (Col. 1:3-4). Regarding the members in Corinth, Paul also expressed thanks in his prayers: “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. Paul sets an interesting example for us today. As we grow in our understanding of Christ’s blessings, let’s share our blessings with others. His whole ministry was grounded in, and developed from, prayer. INTRODUCTION. How often do we specify exactly what it is we are thankful for, or what specific request we are making on their behalf, what kind of spiritual growth we desire for them? Our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, we come to You this morning in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. But how often do we tell our people that we pray for them? Pastor Scott L. Harris. Those redeemed and hence overwhelmed by the sovereign grace of the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” intentionally and purposefully pour out their lives as a perpetual act of thanksgiving, ever conscious of dependence on an omnipresent and omnipotent God, as they are motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We have a duty — and it should also be a desire — to lead God’s people toward his Son. How much more willing should we be to allow our prayers to be known, especially when they are on behalf of the people of God! Prayer was important to Paul. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…. Christ told his disciples that he prayed for them. St. Paul’s Prayer List. Paul’s prayers are not empty platitudes or vague generalities — they are specific and based in theological truth. Often it is just a prayer of thanks; sometimes it is also a request. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, and Christian Living. Each member of the St. Paul’s Prayer Chain has pledged to pray for these persons daily, interceding on their behalf. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times” (Rom. Notice also that Paul emphasized his prayers by calling on God himself as his witness. No doubt these insights helped the Ephesian Christians not only be encouraged by Paul’s prayers for them, but these details would help the Ephesians in their own prayers. However, 2 Timothy begins with the more familiar pattern: “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers” (1:3). Pastors should pray for their people. We can be praying for things like this, making requests like this, thanking God for how he is working in our people’s lives, and letting our people know what we are praying. Pastors should pray for their people. We can be praying for things like this, making requests like this, thanking God for how he is working in our people’s lives, and letting our people know what we are praying. shining on us and walk in your light. Paul wanted the Roman Christians to realize that they were important to him. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (verses 4-6). Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”. Note the plural here — Paul and Timothy were praying together, in prison (cf. Can I learn something from Paul’s example here? The prayer helped the people feel united with Paul. We have a desire, and we have a need. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. How often do we specify exactly what it is we are thankful for, or what specific request we are making on their behalf, what kind of spiritual growth we desire for them? And I ask myself, Am I willing to do this? God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray … ... Pastor Luth says that it is a terrible thing for preachers to go home feeling like their sermon suffered from a failure to launch. He had a request, and he made it known to God constantly — and he also let the Romans know that he was praying for them. In this respect, people today are no different than those of the first century. Paul’s example helps us see one of the ways in which a spiritual leader serves his people. Paul is very open with the fact that he prays for his people, and he is open with some details of those prayers. Sermon by Ian Reed on Colossians 1:9-12 St Mary's Community Church, 29/11/2020 https://www.facebook.com/StMarysCommunityChurch richtoller@gmail.com Let us storm the gates of heaven through prayer. Prayer is part of each … Prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. One result of sharing the faith, Paul says, is that we can grow in understanding the blessings Christ has brought to us. Paul was not the only leader who prayed for his people. Paul’s prayers are not empty platitudes or vague generalities — they are specific and based in theological truth. Am I willing to tell people that I am praying for them? In this article, I will focus on the need for leaders to pray for the people. Prayer serves not only the people we are praying for — it also serves the person who prays. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:9-12). Note the plural here — Paul and Timothy were praying together, in prison (cf. This is for our benefit as well as for theirs. (W.B. their)prayers)for)you)their)hearts)will)go)outto)you,)because)of)the)surpassing)grace)God)has) give)you.)Thanks)be)toGod)for)his)indescribable)gift! Paul’s example helps us see one of the ways in which a spiritual leader serves his people. We have it in our power to do some good, and we should not withhold it from the people who need it most from us. When a pastor tells them, “I ask God to give you this particular thing, and those particular things,” doesn’t that set a instructive example for them? Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your … Prayer serves not only the people we are praying for — it also serves the person who prays. Can I learn something from Paul’s example here? 1:3-5, 8-11). This will strengthen the church, help unify it and build it up. And remember that even though he's great and mighty, yet he's right here with us … If you’d like to study this subject more…. In the event of a pastoral care emergency, please contact the parish office (801.322.5869) or clergy directly. But if we say, “I have prayed such and such on your behalf,” it’s more credible, and more comforting. He writes (Rom. Hunter, “Prayer,” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, edited by G. Hawthorne, R. Martin and D. Reid [InterVarsity, 1993], p. 725), In Ephesians, the thanksgiving section is unusually long. 4:6). When we consider the many sins that existed in the church at Corinth, we can understand why Paul would be so thankful for God’s grace. They could pray for themselves, of course, but it would really help them to know that their leader was praying for them, too, even though he was far away. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. A love for his brothers and sisters … Am I willing to tell people that I am praying for them? But of ourselves, we cannot do it. Members in any sort of ministry should pray for the people they strive to serve, including those who are not yet members. It has been called one of the tools of Christian growth and one of the spiritual disciplines. We can read about them. I do this because there are few examples of pastoral prayers online and I thought these may serve to inspire themes, passages, or ideas as other pastors and elders prepare to lead their churches in prayer. And it was not just the prayer — it was Paul’s telling them that he prayed. 1:3-4). People tend to go to one of two extremes when it comes to the subject of prayer. He forgives us so that we might forgive those who sin against us. Paul’s apostolate began in prayer and, according to tradition, ended in prayer as he was martyred. Paul sets an interesting example for us today. The weekly pastoral prayer is based on by the Psalm reading for the day. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Paul had a desire to visit Rome and to help the Christians there. 1:4). I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Doesn’t it encourage them to pray, too? And I ask myself, Am I willing to do this? Because he wanted to visit them so he could strengthen them, as we see in verses 10-12: “And I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. And they are public, for our benefit. Paul begins with praise in verse 3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”. Various verses remind members to pray for the leaders of the church. There are some prayers in 1 Timothy, and some exhortations to pray, but not quite like the previous epistles. He forgives us so that we might forgive those who sin against us. Again, we see here some theology made practical. Paul gives more specifics in Ephesians 3:14-21: I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. "God, I thank you for others. 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