Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To Pray for Them

◄ Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To Pray for Them ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with a focus on mutual respect and spiritual responsibility. One of the key duties of servants towards their masters is to pray for them, a practice rooted in the broader Christian call to intercede for others.

Biblical Foundation

The duty of servants to pray for their masters is not explicitly stated in a single verse but is derived from the general biblical principles of prayer and intercession. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people, including those in authority. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 , Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity."

While this passage specifically mentions kings and those in authority, the principle can be extended to include masters, as they hold a position of authority over their servants. The act of praying for one's master is an expression of goodwill and a desire for their well-being, aligning with the Christian ethos of love and service.

Spiritual Responsibility

Praying for masters is part of the broader spiritual responsibility that servants have. In Ephesians 6:5-8 , Paul instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

This passage highlights the importance of serving with sincerity and goodwill, which naturally extends to praying for the master's guidance, wisdom, and success. By doing so, servants fulfill their duty as unto the Lord, recognizing that their ultimate service is to God.

Intercession and Blessing

The act of intercession is a powerful tool for blessing others, including masters. In the Old Testament, the account of Joseph provides an example of a servant who, through his faithfulness and integrity, brought blessing to his master's household. Genesis 39:5 states, "From the time that he put him in charge of his household and all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything he owned, both in his house and in the field."

While the text does not explicitly mention Joseph praying for his master, his righteous conduct and relationship with God brought divine favor upon his master's household. This narrative underscores the potential impact of a servant's spiritual life on their master's well-being.

Practical Application

In practical terms, praying for one's master involves seeking God's guidance, protection, and wisdom for them. It is an act of love and service that reflects the servant's commitment to their master's success and well-being. By interceding for their masters, servants contribute to a harmonious and God-honoring relationship, fulfilling their biblical duty with a heart aligned to God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:12
And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray you, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Duties of the Just Man, and the Equity of Christians.
... XVI."Of the Duties of the Just Man, and the ... poor, and others rich; some servants,
and others masters? ... as brothers in spirit, in religion as fellow-servants. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi of the duties of.htm

Covenant Duties.
... God. The duties of masters and servants to one another, are duties
which each respectively owe to Christ. "Servants ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Noachic Covenant
... the swift horse shall become your obedient servants; the lion ... it; that we are to
be the masters of the ... that our family relationships, the blessed duties of a ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xi the noachic covenant.htm

The Third Book
... performed even the least and slightest of their duties. ... God bade his servants keep
all scandal from their ... injurious scorn of God as mortal masters receive from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... and yet have a care that the servants do right ... duty of subjects, considerateness
that of masters, that they ... his position, and attended to its duties alone, how ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... make this duty as common as other duties, they will ... Many masters, who know little
themselves, may yet be brought ... us, to see so many faithful servants of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... harmlessly in the world, are ready to be servants to all ... that they are well ordered,
and the duties of each ... work be cast on us alone; and masters of families ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... the legal decisions of magistrates or masters); if then ... 1843] or if you have neither
servants, nor apprentices ... are treated quite as subservient to duties of a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... I am next to speak of the duties of the ... Thus should masters carry themselves prudently
and piously, that they may gain honour from their servants, and may ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... servants to disregard their parents and masters according to ... too much time in religious
duties, is acting ... children, common justice to your servants, nor even ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm