What ever he prayed for, I can guarantee you that the prayer life he cultivated was far from the "God bless my family, keep me safe, and be with the starving children of Darfur." that has infiltrated my prayer life. As an American people, our recent prayers have been for the nation, the economy, for peace, and for prosperity. For along time, I have really wanted to study what it was that Paul devoted his prayer life too. If there was ever a guy who seemed to have the attention of God, it would have been Paul (second only to Jesus probably). So what was it that Paul prayed for?
Throughout the letters of Paul, he is constantly praying for the recipients of his letter. As I studied his prayers for the church, I couldn't help but notice that mine seem so shallow in comparison. Something, be it depth or outlook, seems strangely absent from my prayer life.
Two things that Paul prayed for seemed to come to the fore front yesterday. Two items seemed at this time of the year to shine brighter than the others.
1. Paul gave thanks for the people in his life. It is of no coincidence that many of Paul's prayers found themselves in the midst of his thanksgiving. Holidays are a stressful time. Tensions run higher, schedules are more hectic, and we find ourselves in close contact to the people around us. Paul takes his relationships with people to God, and gives thanks for them. A healthy habit for us to partake of near this time of year. That is what this holiday is about, giving thanks for the people around you.
2. Paul prayed for power and love in the recipients of the book. This weekend was Persecuted Church Sunday. Stacy talked about her friend in China and the way that Christians live over there. I talked a bit about my friends in North Africa. We talk constantly about missionaries who go to persecuted countries, but overlook the fact that their children go through the same things. We prayed for them. That their love may increase and that God's power will take them over. On Persecuted Church Sunday, we talked about Paul's continual prayer for the power and love of God to come upon people.
Do you now see how a prayer life like mine can pale in comparison? I offer up egotistical prayers for self preservation and blessings for those who wish to aid and abed me. As for praying for your enemies, not so much. Praying for others to know Christ, falls behind my own prayers for my own comfort and security.
I found myself greatly convicted by this study. As for the high schoolers that studied this as well, I cannot be sure what they were thinking. It is my hope that prayer lives have changed, as I know mine has.
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