A LOOK AT THE OCCASIONS WHICH PAUL PRAYED

Prayer is a very important part of a Christian’s life. Through prayer, a Christian has direct access to the throne of God through Jesus Christ. The Bible records the prayers of several faithful men of God like king David and the apostle Paul. John records Jesus’ prayer to God the Father (John 17) which many have understood to be the “Lord’s prayer”. We are able to understand the importance of prayer from the life of Jesus whereby He gave Himself to prayer frequently. His disciples also asked Him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). Jesus was and is the perfect example for all (1 Peter 2:21-22).

The apostle Paul was a great follower of Christ and gave himself wholly to the cause of Christ (Galatians 2:20). His mind was continually on Christ as demonstrated through his life. Although he suffered much tribulation, challenges and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23-33), he persevered in his faith and looked towards the eternal reward in heaven (2 Timothy 4:7-8). We see how Paul looked towards Christ such that he encouraged brethren to be followers of him just as he was of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul showed great dependance on God. We are able to see that through his writings on prayer. Just as Jesus prayed regularly to God, Paul was a man of regular prayer too. There are at least twenty-two references to prayer in the epistles of Paul. 

There is indeed much we can learn from Paul. We will consider the occasions which he prayed in this article. In the next one, I’ll write about Paul’s teachings about prayer. 

1. When Paul was without sight for three days at Damascus before his conversion, he fasted (Acts 9:9). He was probably praying too and mourning over his sins. He had persecuted Christians. After his conversion, Paul also prayed in the temple (Acts 22:17). This was recorded by Luke whereby Paul recounted his conversion to the Jews in Jerusalem.

2. There was much prayer being done when Paul and Barnabas were sent out on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3). During his first missionary journey, Paul also prayed with fasting (Acts 14:23). He faced opposition from the Gentiles at Lystra who were stirred up by some Jews from Antioch and Iconium. As a result, Paul was stoned. 

3. When Paul was thrown into prison at Philippi as a result of driving out a spirit which possessed a woman, he prayed and sang hymns together with Silas (Acts 16:25). We are able to notice that Paul prayed when he was in low moments of his life and when he faced persecutions. He stayed close to God. 

4. We observe from the occasions in which Paul prayed that he not only prayed alone but with brethren. Paul had a heartfelt and tearful farewell with the Ephesian elders at Miletus whereby he knelt down and prayed with the elders after his exhortation (Acts 20:36). Prayers bring brethren together. 

   
   

5. In Paul’s third missionary journey, Paul prayed together with brethren (Acts 21:5). It is interesting to note that Paul knelt down on the shore and prayed. This short account gives us an understanding that prayers to God can be made anywhere and with a posture as determined by the individual. Some may want to pray whilst standing, others sitting and yet others kneeling. However, it is of great importance to note that whatever posture we take or place we pray, we need to go to God in reverence.

6. Paul prayed and gave thanks to God for the food which he had even in the midst of non-Christians (Acts 27:35). He was not afraid of acknowledging God nor afraid of giving thanks to God. We understand that it is important to acknowledge God the same way Paul did so. There had been occasions whereby Christians were shy of giving thanks to God for the food they eat when they were in the company of non-Christians. Paul certainly showed that it was needful to do so. He also showed that there was no need for embarrassment in acknowledging God even in the presence of non-Christians. Jesus said that “…whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33). Of course, this does not mean that when praying in public, we seek to draw attention to ourselves, but there is nothing wrong in saying a quiet prayer by ourselves to acknowledge our thankfulness to God 

7. On the trip to Rome whereby Paul was on the island of Melita, he was treated hospitably by the locals who did not speak Greek. Paul stayed with Publius, the chief man of Melita, for three days. When he knew that Publius’ father had fever and dysentery, Paul prayed and healed him (Acts 28:8). Throughout his ministry, Paul knew that it was very important to include God in his plans and work for the Lord. Thus, we see that even in healing someone using his spiritual gifts, Paul acknowledged God and gave God the credit and thanks. Sometimes, it may be convenient for us to make plans but leave God out of our plans. For example, how do I make sure I worship God on the first day of the week when I travel or which faithful congregation do I worship with when I’m studying overseas? I need to include God in my plans and give Him the credit and thanksgiving. We recall what James wrote about needing to include God in our plans which is a good thing to do, and failing to do so will be sin (James 4:13-17). 

Prayer was never a lifeline, back-up plan nor “as-and-when it’s convenient” or “I feel like doing so” for Paul. It was part of his life and showed his dependence on God and not taking things for granted. It is no wonder that Paul wrote to “pray without ceasing” and with thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

If ever my prayer life is lacking, it may mean that my dependence on God is not stronger than my dependence on myself and I need to work on my relationship with Him immediately. The occasions and regularity of Jesus and Paul praying are good examples for me to follow. As I walk and deepen my relationship with God, what my will is will gradually be aligned with His will and thus, “…this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

Ask Yourself:

1. What are some occasions that Paul prayed?

2. Is it important to pray regularly?

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

Suggested Answers:

1. He prayed before his first missionary journey, during his missionary journey, when he was in prison, when he was with brethren and even in the presence of non-Christians.

2. Yes (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and so that we can grow closer to God and be aligned with His will.