I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. (Rom. 1:9–10)
Expanded Passage: Romans 1:5-10
I hope you have had the assurance of knowing that someone was praying for you regularly. I once had a supervisor who mentioned me in prayer daily, and I am quite confident that he still prays for me regularly even today. I always admired my teaching colleagues who would pray for every student they had in class on a nearly daily basis. They have been models for me of what it means to intercede for others in prayer.
Like my supervisor and colleagues, Paul prayed for his churches in this way. Although the “thanksgiving” section of Paul’s letters was an expected part of a letter, we can be sure that Paul meant—and practiced—every word. No doubt he agonized with concern over his churches and their struggles. No doubt he thanked God for their joys and victories. His faithful prayers were both an indication of and a way to practice his love for the people.
While some Christians seem to have a gift of prayer, we are all told to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). We are invited to be in daily conversation with our God, for our good but also for the good of others. Without prayer, our lives become vulnerable to other spiritual influences. And while communing regularly with God, how easy it is to mention those people the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts!
Put someone new on your prayer list.
Ken Schenck is provost with Campus EDU. He previously served as vice president for Houghton College (NY) and dean of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
