PAUL’S PERSONAL REQUESTS

Last week we took an overview look at Paul’s intercession, or prayer requests, for others. But he also asked others to pray for him. Paul asked:

-That he might visit the believers in Rome (Rom. 1:10)
-To be rescued from unbelievers in Judea (Rom. 15:31)
-To be accepted by the saints in Judea (Rom. 15:31)
-For a trip to Rome to be refreshed with the believers there (Rom. 15:32)
-The words and boldness to share the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20)
-Open doors for the gospel (Col. 4:3)
-Words to clearly speak the gospel (Col. 4:4)
-To see the Thessalonians face to face (1 Thess. 3:9, 11)

Every request Paul asks is for the ministry of the gospel. Whether it be encouraging and teaching believers or sharing the gospel to unbelievers, at the forefront of his mind was advancing the kingdom of God. I don’t know about you, but that is definitely not my primary focus when I pray.

Usually my requests revolve around my personal physical and spiritual well beings. I ask others to pray God would give me wisdom, strength, endurance, courage, health, etc. These are all great things to pray and ask for, but there sadly can be a difference between asking for things that you want and asking for things that will glorify God. My time in prayer has majorly increased this year, yet I often don’t ask for evangelistic or discipleship opportunities. Unfortunately, that is a major clue into how often I share the gospel, which is very rarely.

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t pray for or ask others to pray for us about anything besides evangelizing. As mentioned last week, Paul did pray for physical ailments. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9a Paul recounts when he was given a thorn in his side to keep from being conceited. He pleaded with God to take it away, but God made it clear that strength comes from the power of Christ and during times we are the weakest God is stronger than ever. Paul humbled himself, changed his perspective, and didn’t let his physical ailment get in the way of the gospel.

Recently, I read through Ole Hallesby’s book, Prayer written in 1931. In Book(chapter) 7, Hallesby recounts his observations upon listening to a famous preacher pray day after day at a retreat center. He speaks of the preacher’s quiet confidence in prayer because that man knew God well. This man only really spoke one request: that God would be glorified. The man would receive prayer requests from all over Europe and simply pray that God would be glorified in each person’s affliction. This philosophy is so reminiscent of Paul’s prayers in the Scripture. Paul’s personal requests seem to revolve around glorifying God.

What if you prayed more like Paul? Try asking God for an opportunity to share the gospel with a specific acquaintance. Request boldness and words to clearly speak the gospel. Plead for encouragement to and for believers. But also end each request with the best request: God be glorified. Although this is similar to asking for God’s will to be done, I have found that constantly asking for God to be glorified at the end of each request humbles me and aligns my perspective with God’s will more than anything I consistently pray. Try centering your requests on the things of God and you will find your whole world come into better focus on God’s character and will.

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