A LOOK AT PAUL'S TEACHINGS ABOUT PRAYERS

Last month, I wrote an article about giving us a look at the occasions in which Paul prayed. We will now take a look at Paul’s teachings about prayer. There are several passages in the Bible which allow us to understand what Paul taught about prayer.

Salvation of mankind (both brethren and non-Christians) was important to Paul. This was mentioned several times with regards to his prayers for these people. Paul wrote that his “heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1). It was Paul’s heartfelt desire that Israel be saved, just as how Jesus gave the Great Commission to His apostles to make disciples of every nation (Matthew 28:19-20). Paul “prayed that conditions and circumstances might be such as to lead them to accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior.” We learn then, that like Paul, we pray for the salvation of others, and we must have that sincere heartfelt desire with regards to their salvation when we go to God in prayer.

Paul prayed for brethren and those who laboured together with him in the Lord. He kept Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3) and Philemon (Philemon 4) in prayers regularly. Paul kept congregations (Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9) in prayers and also prayed for those who forsook him (2 Timothy 4:16). He was not selfish in his prayers and truly, we are able to see that Paul had the spiritual well-being of people at heart.

Paul was a thankful person and that can be seen through his prayers. He regularly thanked God for those who loved, inspired, and meant much to him as he ran the Christian race. We are able to see that in Romans 1:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:4 amongst some of Paul’s other epistles. Paul understood this because it is God’s will that one be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Paul gave thanks by reflecting on the plan of redemption in the salvation of mankind in Colossians 1:12-14. Paul also gave thanks for his present circumstances in Romans 12:1-2.

We can learn several things from Paul’s prayer that the thorn in his flesh be removed (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). Paul accepted the answer given to him and chose to make good of his situation and not wallow in misery nor reproach of God (2 Corinthians 12:9). Occasionally, we come across brethren who may blame God for a certain difficult situation they are in. Some even choose to leave God as a result. However, we do not see any of such actions in Paul. Instead, he “laid the matter aside in his own mind and turned his face to the challenges and opportunities that were before him”. We observe a positive outlook from him that God knows best, and that he would emerge stronger from the trials, afflictions, and persecutions that he went through (2 Corinthians 12:10). Indeed, Paul’s response to the Lord saying no to his request enables us to adopt the same attitude when faced with such situations. We need to be thankful to God and adopt a positive attitude, trusting in God through our prayers when faced with difficult situations.

Besides praying for brethren, Paul also requested prayers for himself and his labour for the Lord. In Romans 15:30-31, Paul requested prayers of brethren, that he might be delivered from the unbelieving Jews, and that his ministry would be accepted by the saints in Jerusalem. Several times in his epistles, Paul requested prayers for his ministry and that of his fellow workers in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:3). This clearly showed that Paul did not request prayers for selfish purposes nor for his own glory, but the prayers were for the success of his work in the Lord, and for hearts to be open to the gospel. His focus was on spiritual matters and that of the kingdom (Colossians 1:9-12). He was totally dependent on God and for His providence. This reflects Paul’s humility as well. The apostle Peter wrote of the need for a person to humble himself under the mighty hand of God, and only then would one be able to cast all cares to God in prayer (1 Peter 5:6-7). Paul’s humility was not just in words (1 Corinthians 2:1, 4), but he demonstrated it through his actions and dependence on God. We learn then that when we pray, we do not pray unselfishly, but pray that our labour in the Lord will be fruitful and for hearts to be opened to the gospel.

Even as Paul was dependent on God and trusted Him, he taught Christians to be likewise as well. Paul wrote of the need not to worry endlessly, but to let God know of their requests (Philippians 4:6). When a person does that, one will be at peace with God and also be strengthened (Philippians 4:7). Paul is saying that “we must not be overcome by irrational worry” when he wrote “be careful for nothing”. We can be certain Paul did that, because of the record in the Bible of all that he went through, and yet, he remained faithful to God. We can be certain also because Paul wrote to encourage the brethren at Philippi to do all that they had seen him do and teach (Philippians 4:9).

Paul taught Christians to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This is a necessary aspect of prayer. Jesus spoke of the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), and that men always ought to pray and not be exhausted in doing that (Luke 18:1). Prayer is never to be seen as a backup, but instead involves a constant building up of a relationship with God.

Paul taught Christians to pray with understanding as he would do (1 Corinthians 14:15). This is especially important when one leads a prayer in the general assembly. Speaking in a different tongue when praying will not be edifying to those who are hearing and being led in the prayer. Jesus reminded that one should not have vain repetitions in prayer (Matthew 6:7). We do not simply chant or have endless repetitions in our prayers, but be mindful about what we say and recognise that God knows what we need.

Paul taught Christians to pray for all men (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Yet again, Paul understood that it was something that would be acceptable to God as God wants all to be saved. Paul’s prayer and teaching here helps us to understand the necessity of praying for the government, and this is so that Christians may be able to worship God and live their Christian lives peacefully. Praying for all men will also include praying for one’s enemies. This is consistent with what Jesus did as He cried out on the cross to God, saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Being a mortal person, some may focus on the things of this world and be distracted by health issues and calamities amongst others. Paul had written about the need to focus on spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2), and that although the outward man would perish, the inward man would be renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). In Ephesians 3:14-21, we note the “brevity” of Paul’s prayer, the focus of the prayer being on spiritual matters and leaving all things to God. This will help us in being mindful of the things we pray about and the necessity to focus on spiritual matters in our prayers.

Prayer is a very important part in the life of a Christian. It was important in the life of the apostle Paul. Through prayer, Paul was able to draw strength from God. Through his prayers and edification of the saints of what they should pray for and how they should pray, we are able to follow his example and inspired teachings as well. There is much we can pray for and learn from the example of Paul.

Ask Yourself:

1. What are some things we can learn from Paul’s teachings about prayer?

2. What was Paul’s focus as seen from his teachings about prayer?

3. What can I do to improve the content of my prayers?

Suggested Answers:

1. He prayed for the salvation of mankind, for brethren, and for himself. He regularly thanked God, accepted God’s will, and did not blame God. He had dependance and trust in God, prayed without ceasing, prayed with understanding, and prayed for all men, focusing on spiritual things.

2. He wanted to be more and more like Christ. He prayed and taught about prayer like what Christ did.