Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Paul

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Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme in the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. As a pivotal figure in the early Christian church, Paul's letters provide profound insights into the practice and theology of intercessory prayer. His epistles reveal a deep commitment to praying for the spiritual growth, well-being, and perseverance of the believers and churches he ministered to.

Paul's Practice of Intercessory Prayer

Paul's letters are replete with examples of his intercessory prayers. He consistently prayed for the churches he established and the individuals he mentored. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "For God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times" (Romans 1:9-10). This passage highlights Paul's dedication to praying for the Roman believers, whom he had not yet met, demonstrating his commitment to the broader body of Christ.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul offers a detailed account of his intercessory prayer: "I ask that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 1:17). Here, Paul prays for the spiritual enlightenment and growth of the Ephesian church, emphasizing the importance of knowing God more deeply.

Theological Foundations of Paul's Intercessory Prayer

Paul's intercessory prayers are rooted in his understanding of the nature of God and the work of Christ. He believed that prayer was a means of participating in God's redemptive work in the world. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses confidence in the power of prayer, stating, "I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). This assurance reflects Paul's belief in God's faithfulness and the transformative power of prayer.

Moreover, Paul viewed intercessory prayer as an expression of love and unity within the body of Christ. In Colossians, he writes, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" (Colossians 1:3). His prayers are filled with thanksgiving and joy, underscoring the relational aspect of intercession as a means of strengthening the bonds between believers.

Paul's Requests for Intercessory Prayer

Paul not only prayed for others but also sought their prayers for his own ministry. In his letter to the Thessalonians, he requests, "Brothers, pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25). This appeal highlights Paul's recognition of the mutual dependence within the Christian community and the importance of collective prayer support.

In Ephesians, Paul asks for prayer that he might boldly proclaim the gospel: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19). This request underscores the role of intercessory prayer in empowering and sustaining those engaged in ministry.

Conclusion

Paul's life and writings offer a rich tapestry of intercessory prayer, demonstrating its vital role in the life of the early church. His prayers reflect a deep theological understanding of God's sovereignty, a commitment to the spiritual growth of others, and a reliance on the prayers of fellow believers. Through his example, Paul encourages Christians to engage in intercessory prayer as a powerful expression of faith, love, and unity in the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:9-12
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 1:11
Why also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
... him up . . ." The inspired writings of Paul disclose the astonishing
possibilities in the ministry of intercessory prayer. In one ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 8 the intercessory prayers.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... Paul prayed much himself, and tried hard to arouse ... so deeply felt the need of prayer
that he ... Intercessory prayer, or prayer for others, occupied a high place ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we must take our examples from men like ourselves.
After our Lord, there is no nobler sight to be seen on earth than Paul on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... than Moses, and never one more intensely earnest in intercessory prayer. ... one long
shower, each drop a prayer, and the ... think you, if you will, of Paul, of whom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... Paul not only prayed for himself. He made a practice of praying for others. He was
preeminently an intercessor. As he urged intercessory prayer on others, so ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... First, Jesus prays for Himself; and His prayer is,
"Father, glorify Thy ... Of them well may Paul say, "All things are yours; for ye ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

The Setting
... Both the Gospel and Paul he expurgated of Old Testament references, to suit his ... We
have an instance of a traditional intercessory prayer in I Clement (chs.59 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/the setting.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... gather its priceless riches in the avenues of intercessory prayer. ... earth, as well
of the Apostle Paul was, by ... and example, to develop men of prayer, to whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... They impressively bring out the intercessory feature of prayer and disclose Moses
in his great office as an ... It was a prayer on the order of Paul's when he ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... Paul did not stop to confer with flesh and blood. ... When we get more of this Spirit
of intercessory prayer in parents, we shall see more spiritual children born. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm