Young People's Group

Learning to Pray for Each Other

by Mitchell Tan
September 04, 2019

THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL IN PRAYING FOR OTHERS

The apostle Paul was a man of deep prayer. He had learnt to pray for the Church in such an effective way. He is an example to us all on how to pray and relate to the Lord God. In almost all his epistles, we would read of Paul’s prayers to the Lord for the Churches or for individuals. What were some of the features of his prayer for the Ephesians?

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers”
Ephesians 1:15-16

1. CONSISTENCY IN PRAYER

The apostle Paul had learnt to be consistent in prayer. Prayer had become so much a part of his life. He had consistently sought to give thanks to the Lord. The word “give thanks” has the idea of how grace is given in order to be grateful. There is this continuous sense of giving thanks to God. The apostle was able to be thankful for the Ephesian Church. This was also something that he did for the Philippians and the Corinthian Church.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy”
Philippians 1:3-4

“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus”
1 Corinthians 1:4

Paul consistently gave thanks to the Lord for various Churches. He gave thanks for the Philippians whom he loved deeply. He also gave thanks for the Corinthian Church which was an enriched and blessed Church. Paul consistently gave thanks for the Churches.

2. FINDING REASONS TO GIVE THANKS AND TO PRAY

Paul had a reasoned approach toward prayer. He had reasons to give thanks and pray for the Church.

A. THE BLESSINGS OF SALVATION (EPHESIANS 1:3-14)

There are also the many spiritual blessings that the Lord had given to those who were saved.

B. THE EVIDENCE OF SALVATION (EPHESIANS 1:15)

I. THE GENUINE FAITH OF THE EPHESIANS

He gave thanks for the genuine faith that the Ephesian Church had come to have.

II. THE LOVE FOR ALL THE SAINTS

There was a special sense of love for all the saints.

3. BEING CONCERNED ENOUGH TO PRAY FOR PEOPLE

Paul was deeply concerned for the Ephesian Church. He cared very much for the Ephesian Church and he sought to pray for them for specific things that they needed to have. After he had heard of their faith and love for all the saints, he prayed that the Lord would enlighten and help them discover the hope of their calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and the exceeding greatness of His power (Ephesians 1:17-19). It was out of his concern for the Ephesians that he would get down to praying for them. He would make mention of them consistently.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. GIVING THANKS

Bethel IP Church celebrates its anniversary next Sunday week. Let’s learn to give thanks for them and how the Lord had watched over them. Let’s pray for Pastor Chris and the future of Bethel.

2. PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER

There are many in schools preparing for major exams or taking their prelim exams. Let’s be concerned enough to remember them in prayer.

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