Paul was not a Pastor; he was an Apostle (a delegate, ambassador, or commissioner) of Jesus Christ, an office he refers to many times as he writes his epistles. He visited many cities either starting, or strengthening and edifying churches. As he moved on to other cities, the love and concern for the people he had ministered to lived on in his heart and he continued praying for them as we see in Ephesians 1:15-23 (cf. Romans 1:9) where he lays out a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession continuously for them, saying in verse 16 “I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” The word cease here means that he did not pause, stop, or quit praying for them, but day after day, time after time he was praying on their behalf. And the prayer revealed in these verses serves as a pattern that we can adapt or adopt as we pray for our fellow believers. Indeed James 5:16 tells us to “pray for one another…The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The context here is speaking of healing, but the same principle applies to every situation. Yes, this kind of prayer is powerful in its working and results! Samuel in the first book named for him says in 12:23, “far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you”. And 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” That is without omission, don’t give up, and don’t lose hope! The Apostles desire in 1 Timothy 2:8 is “that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” Not seeking punishment or wrath on someone, but in supplication and worship!
Praying
By Rose Hill
Praying for you each and every day,
That God gives you strength as you walk in His way.
Praying that the Father gives you wisdom,
And that you are in the knowledge of Him.
Praying the Spirit helps you see deep things,
And in knowing God’s secrets your heart sings.
That your understanding be flooded with light,
And in your spirit there won’t be any night.
Praying you understand the greatness of His power,
And that in your life He’s working every hour.
To demonstrate His mighty strength and love,
Of Christ being raised and seated above.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.