Joyful Prayers Ignite the Fellowship
A constant theme in Paul's letters to the churches was one of thanksgiving for his brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:3-4; Philemon 1:4-5). He took time to think about them and offer thanks to God for them.
As Paul kept his brothers and sisters in remembrance, he prayed for them. Verses 3 says that he remembered ALL. Verse 4 says that he prayed for ALL. The church family is one body of believers. It exists in a world system that is hostile to God. So every believer needs the prayer of other believers for nurture and protection. We need wisdom from God to know His will. We need power from God to impact this hostile world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Remembering your brothers and sisters in Christ with gratitude should lead to praying with joy. When Paul wrote Philippians 1:4 in the original Greek language, the word "joy" was strongly emphasized. He wanted you to be sure that you rejoice in your prayers for your church family.
There is joy in remembering other believers in your church. There is also joy in having the privilege of praying for them. You see, God did not have to give us the privilege of prayer. He already knows everything: "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit" (Psalm 147:5). But God did gives us the privilege of prayer. He told us to ask Him in prayer for our needs (John 14:13-14) and for the needs of others (1 Timothy 2:1). Even if you do not know how to pray for your brother or sister in Christ, God has given us the Holy Spirit who helps us to pray (Romans 8:26-27).
Joyful praying provides the warm, closeness to God that He intended for prayer. Praying for others with joy will also create a sense of closeness between you and your church family. It will deepen your relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. As you pray for them with joy, your love and compassion for them will grow.
Joyful praying for others should also be persistent. Paul says "always in every prayer" he interceded for his church family. Paul's fellowship with them grew because he kept on praying for them.
Fellowship in the church is ignited by your joyful prayers for others. Pray for your church as Paul prayed for his brothers and sisters at Ephesus:
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. 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. (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)
Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.ComCopyright 7/12/2000, Randy Lariscy.
