The Overcomer Trust

PAUL TEACHES OTHERS TO PRAY.

By L.A.T. van Dooren.

An aspect of Paul’s ministry is to be seen in the fact that not only was he a man of prayer and prayed for spiritual maturity in the lives of others, but again and again he seeks to lead young Christians to pray, so that they in turn become men and women of prayer. This was part of his work, leading believers to spiritual maturity. In the course of doing this he also reveals how greatly he values the prayers of God’s children for his own ministry.

To pray for others and to invite others to pray for you is evidence of the unity of the body of Christ. In the Church of Jesus Christ we are His body and members in particular. Therefore it is right that we should pray for others and we should seek to encourage others to pray, and to pray so that our own Christian life and service may be deepened and glorifying to God.

In the Epistle to the Romans we may read that the one who strives in prayer calls upon others to strive also. “I urge you, brothers, 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 rescued from the unbelievers in Judaea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed” (Rom. 15 v30-32).

Paul and the believers in Rome were far apart, yet together they can meet at the Throne of Grace. As they pray and the prayer is answered they themselves will be refreshed and renewed in spiritual things. It is to be a joyful experience for them.

The Apostle recalls to the Christians in Corinth certain of the experiences that befell him and his fellow workers in Asia, experiences that caused them to despair even of their life, yet for which he thanked and praised God because these experiences led them not to trust in themselves but in God. He recognises that the prayers of the Corinthian Christians have been part of the means used by God to bring about these deliverances. “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor. 1 v8-11). Who are you helping at this present time by your prayers for them ? There are many on the mission field who daily have to face trying situations. Their needs are many. Can they count upon your prayers ?

After having written to the Ephesian Christians of the place of prayer in the spiritual armour of the child of God, Paul calls upon them to continue in prayer on his behalf. “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel . . . Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph. 6 v19-20). Pray for all saints. Pray particularly for one or two who are known to you personally who have the privilege and responsibility of public ministry, or of teaching the word of God in some way. Pray for them, that they may speak boldly, clearly and truly, according to the Word of God. It is better to pray for a preacher than to criticise his sermons. It is better to pray for a fellow worker than to talk in a derogatory way about him. Was there a more effective, a more fruitful and truer preacher of the Gospel than Paul? Yet he says, “Pray for me, that . . . words may be given me”. In this way he brings others into co-operative fellowship with him in the service of Christ.

The believers at Philippi sent more than once to supply Paul’s needs, and must also have been constant in prayer for him. He acknowledges that God’s overruling in the things that have happened to him are as a result of their prayers, “For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance” (Phil. 1 v19).

God is overruling the bonds and imprisonment and by the adequacy of the Spirit is meeting his need and flowing through him in blessing to others. He has suffered as far as earthly circumstances are concerned. Few could have suffered more or faced more fearful trials than Paul. Therefore the Spirit of God can use him to urge the Philippians to face every situation in the spirit of prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus ” (Phil. 4 v6-7).

To pray with thanksgiving is to have the peace of God garrisoning your hearts and minds. Though all the world should fall about you, though all the world should array itself against you, you can thank God, for He abides faithful. He cannot fail, He will not forsake you. You can thank Him in every situation.

The Apostle called on others to pray for him in his public ministry, we too should pray for servants of God who are called to preach and teach. In 1 Thessalonians 5 v16 we read, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances”, and then the Apostle comes down to this short but pungent request, “Brothers, pray for us” (1 Thess. 5 v25). As we encourage others to read God’s Word, so also we should encouraged them to pray, and to pray for others.

In that delightful personal letter to Philemon, we read, “Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers” (Phil. v22). Paul is in prison. Philemon prays. Obstacles are removed by the Hand that holds the universe. Would those obstacles have been removed if he had not prayed ? The answer may be yes, but the person who prays is the one who shares in the reward and who finds great joy in knowing that in this way he or she has been called into co-operative fellowship and service with God Himself. This is the privilege of every child of God. This is the privilege of being a co-worker together with the Lord. Pray, encourage others to pray, and as the Lord teaches you to pray, teach others to pray. Pray without ceasing ! Never give up ! In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

From “Prayer - the Christian’s Vital Breath”.