What should we as Christians pray for?

Does God hear and answer our prayers?

●What Should Be The Focus Of Prayer?

What did those who were in leadership or in the assembly of the early church pray for?
CHAPTER 4

What Should Be The Focus Of Prayer?

C. What did those who were in leadership or in the assembly of the early church pray for?

I am really looking forward to this aspect of the study. Don’t get me wrong all of it has been enlightening. What did the early church pray for? I think this will surprise you. Enjoy.

The early church prayed for Peter for eight days. What were they praying for?

Peter was in prison:

Suggested Reading: Acts 12:1-23

Peter was put in prison by King Herod with the certainty of going to trial and being put to death. His trial and subsequent sentence was on hold until after the Jews observed the two feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread. The church prayed to God earnestly for his release. God answered their prayer by sending an angel to release him from his bonds and lead him out of the prison undetected on the last day of the feast.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5)

In the book of 2 Timothy the apostle Paul was praying for a dear friend, who was one of the leaders of the early church, throughout the day. What was he praying for?

I have remembrance of thee:

Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Paul in his letter to Timothy let him know that he was praying for him at various times throughout the day. His prayer consisted of recalling to his mind Timothy’s unfeigned (sincere; unhypocritical) faith. And in conjunction with this that Timothy would:

Continue to stir up (keep blazing) the gift (of administration, presiding over the affairs of the local church) of God.

Not be ashamed of speaking about the testimony (teachings) of the Lord nor of Paul himself (whose behavior was considered unacceptable to society).

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Timothy 3,6,8)

Some in the Corinthian Church are questioning Paul’s credentials as an apostle. Paul decides to pray for them. What did he pray for?

Since you seek a proof:

Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

The apostle Paul was addressing the believers in Corinth, some of whom were seeking proof that Christ was speaking in him. Paul responded to them by saying that there are evidences of Christ speaking in him.

The first was that there were many in the Corinthian Church, who were converted to Christianity, because of their response to the gospel, which was presented by him.

The second was that God evidenced his working through Paul by the demonstration and power of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

Paul after supplying them with credible answers asked them to ascertain their own spiritual condition as to whether they were living as Christians should live. In order to do this he says they should test or examine themselves as to their character, principles, and conduct.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)

He follows this admonition by praying to God the Father that they would do no evil (do that which is right and seemly) so that they would be restored to their proper place, which by analogy means to set a broken bone or to adjust a twisted limb.

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. (2 Corinthians 13:7-9)

Paul prays for the Ephesian believers that the Father would give them two things. What do you think these two things are?

Making mention of you:

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 1:15-20

Paul is always giving thanks for the Ephesians mentioning them in his prayers. He prayed that God the Father would give them wisdom (revealed truth; spiritual realities) and revelation (of apprehending the revealed - of perceiving the drift and meaning of what God makes known by the Holy Spirit) so that they would get to know Jesus personally and intimately.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Ephesians 1:15-17)

Likewise, Paul and Timothy are praying to God the Father for the Colossian believers that they would be equipped according to two things.

Let’s find out what these two things are.

Do not cease to pray for you:

Suggested Reading: Colossians 1:9-11.

Paul and Timothy are praying to God for the Colossian believers that they would be fully equipped with a knowledge of Christ’s design, purpose, plan, and intention for their lives, which would be according to wisdom (knowledge of divine things) and understanding [spiritual insight which discriminates between the false and the true ; of clear analysis and decision-making in applying this knowledge (of diving things) to various problems].

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9)

A person named Epaphras is praying for the Colossian believers for what reason? And by the way who is he?

Always laboring fervent for you:
Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, a servant of Christ, is praying for the Colossians that they would not waver, but stand firm by maintaining their fully instructed and enlightened condition, and in being fully persuaded of the truth of those doctrines, which have been taught to them, as the revealed will of God.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God .

In the following section we have three people praying for the believers at Thessalonica. Let’s find out what they prayed for.

We pray always for you:
2 Thessalonians 1:11

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are always praying for the Thessalonians believers that God would consider them worthy of their calling (that their life will come up to the standard expected of those who have been called of God to live in a very special way) by turning all of their good intentions into actions in which there would be perfected in them contentment and satisfaction so that everything thing they did would be motivated by faith in God and accomplished with His power.

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

Should we pray for safe travel? In what regard did they pray for it?

Strive together with me:

Romans 15:30-31

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem bringing with him a financial offering to the destitute saints, who were living there. He is asking the believers at Rome to pray for him in two areas of concern:

For safe travel from the unbelieving Jews, who resided in Judea.

For acceptance by the Christian Jews for the financial contribution, which might otherwise be looked at as a bribe, in return for which Paul's opposition to the law would be condoned.

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

What should we pray for, when there are obstacles in bringing forth the word of God to others?

Pray for us:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Paul is asking the believers at Thessalonica to pray for himself, Silvanus, and Timothy so that they would be delivered from opposition in their attempts to spread the gospel. This opposition would be from those who: will not listen to arguments, not being under discipline; do not have the right view of things; act agreeably to the disorderly and unreasonable impulse of their own minds having bad aims and purposes; have not the Christian faith.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Paul is asking the Colossians that they would pray for God to open up a door. What does this word refer to?

Withal praying for us:

Colossians 4:2-4

Paul is asking the believers at Colossee to pray for both himself and Timothy that God would open up a door of occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel to be able to be declared.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

In the passages we will look at next prayer is mentioned using four words, each of which relate to it.

Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks:

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul is giving instruction to Timothy strongly recommending that supplications (something definite is asked; petitions having to do with one's personal needs as they are related to the government under which he lives), prayers (the general word for prayer), intercessions (for conversions; prayers offered for another), and expressing gratitude for blessings or benefits, be made for all men, for kings, and all that are in authority so that we may lead a life which is quiet (freedom from outward disturbance or persecutions) and peaceable (freedom within; calmness) showing great devotion and reverence (or, respect) for God, and behaving in a right and proper way before other people.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

When we pray no matter in adversity or prosperity or in what manner of prayer make sure when we ask God for help that we are in communion with the Spirit.

Praying always:

Ephesians 6:18

Paul is instructing the Ephesians believers that they should pray always (in adversity as well as prosperity; in every temptation and spiritual conflict) by means of any kind of prayer (formal, silent, vocal, secret, etc.) with supplications (to ask for God’s help; strong and incessant pleadings, until the evil is averted, or the good communicated; an imploring request filled with heavenward longings and aspirations) while being directed and empowered by the Spirit.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

If we find ourselves suffering in difficult situations we can go to God in prayer with three requests in mind.

Let him pray:

Suggested Reading: James 5:10-13

If there is any member of the church, who is afflicted (suffering in difficult circumstances), then he/she should pray to God. The apostle Paul used this word “afflicted” to describe the circumstances he was in as he suffered for the Gospel's sake (2 Timothy 2:9). As God's people go through life, they often must endure difficulties that are not the results of sin or the chastening of God. What should we do when we find ourselves in such trying circumstances?... We should pray to God. For what? It doesn’t say.

What the verses talk about prior to this is that there are those, the prophets, who are an example (model; pattern) of suffering affliction (hardship; ill-treatment) with patient endurance (the one restraint from retaliating, the other not easily succumbing).

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

The idea being conveyed seems to be that when affliction comes we should exemplify the same life as the prophets. So in this regard what should we pray to God for? I believe we should ask him for His perspective and power to see things through.

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Well there it is. Have you learned a lot about what we should pray for when we pray? We have covered a lot of information in regard to the topic of prayer. After providing a condensed summary below of what should a believer pray for I would like to provide for you in the next chapter another condensed summary in regards to all of which has been covered in this study. I hope that you will use some of this information for your spiritual benefit. Please read the condensed summary below and then proceed onward.

~ Paul prays for the Ephesian believers that God the Father would give them wisdom (revealed truth; spiritual realities) and revelation (of apprehending the revealed - of perceiving the drift and meaning of what God makes known48 by the Holy Spirit) so that they would get to know Jesus personally and intimately. (Ephesians 1:15-20)

~ Paul and Timothy are praying for the Colossian believers that they would be fully equipped with a knowledge of Christ’s design, purpose, plan, and intention for their lives, which would be according to wisdom (knowledge of divine things) and understanding [spiritual insight which discriminates between the false and the true ; of clear analysis and decision-making in applying this knowledge (of diving things) to various problems]. (Colossians 1:9)

~ Epaphras is praying for the Colossians that they would not waver, but stand firm by maintaining their fully instructed and enlightened condition, and in being fully persuaded of the truth of those doctrines which have been taught to them as the revealed will of God. (Colossians 4:12)

~ Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are always praying for the Thessalonians believers that God would consider them worthy of their calling (that their life will come up to the standard expected of those who have been called of God to live in a very special way) by turning all of their good intentions into actions in which there would be perfected in them contentment and satisfaction so that everything thing they did would be motivated by faith in God and accomplished with His power.

~ Paul is asking the believers at Rome to pray for two areas of concern:

For safe travel from the unbelieving Jews, who resided in Judea.

For acceptance by the Christian Jews for the financial contribution, which might otherwise be looked at as a bribe, in return for which Paul's opposition to the law would be condoned. (Romans 15:30-31)

~ Paul is asking the believers at Thessalonica to pray for himself, Silvanus, and Timothy so that they would be delivered from opposition in their attempts to spread the gospel. This opposition would be from those who: will not listen to arguments, not being under discipline; do not have the right view of things; act agreeably to the disorderly and unreasonable impulse of their own minds having bad aims and purposes; have not the Christian faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

~ Paul is asking for prayer for both himself and Timothy that God would open up a door of occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel to be able to be declared. (Colossians 4:2-4)

~ Paul strongly recommends to Timothy that supplications (something definite is asked; petitions having to do with one's personal needs as they are related to the government under which he lives), prayers (the general word for prayer), intercessions (for conversions; prayers offered for another), and expressing gratitude for blessings or benefits, be made for all men, for kings, and all that are in authority so that we may lead a life which is quiet (freedom from outward disturbance or persecutions) and peaceable (freedom within; calmness) showing great devotion and reverence (or, respect) for God, and behaving in a right and proper way before other people. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

~ Paul is instructing the Ephesians believers that they should pray always (in adversity as well as prosperity; in every temptation and spiritual conflict) by means of any kind of prayer (formal, silent, vocal, secret, etc.) with supplications (to ask for God’s help; strong and incessant pleadings, until the evil is averted, or the good communicated; an imploring request filled with heavenward longings and aspirations) while being directed and empowered by the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:18)

~ When we are afflicted (suffering in difficult circumstances) I believe we should pray to God for His perspective and power to see things through. (James 5:10-13)

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