‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should (Colossians 4:2-4).’
We can pray at any time, in any place and under any circumstances (Ephesians 6:18); although I can testify to finding it difficult to pray when under painful duress. It’s heartening that God never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:4), and He is always attentive to our prayers (cf. 1 Peter 3:12). If we pray according to His will (cf. Romans 1:10) He always responds to our requests favourably (Matthew 7:7, 8; James 1:5).
My Prayer
Our Wonderful, Gracious, Loving Father,
We thank You that You are the only God – our God of hope who fills us with joy and peace. You give us faith in Your Son by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and You give us eternal life. You have opened our eyes to see Your beauty in Your creation, Your wisdom and truth in Your Word, and Your grace, love and forgiveness in Your Son. You give us the sure hope of salvation through the atoning work of Your Son, and by Your grace there is no condemnation for all who believe in Him. In this assurance we thank You that You will count us blameless on the great and awesome day of His coming.
In our troubles You comfort us, and we thank You that in Your Son and by Your Spirit You enable us to comfort one another in the knowledge of Your blessings and sure promises.
Thank You for enrolling us as Your captives for the spreading of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which knowledge is the aroma of life to those being saved and the aroma of death to those who reject You.
Help us to be good witnesses, i.e., Your light in this dark world. Help us to point to Jesus, the Light of the world; for He is the only way to You. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Keep us steadfast in the test of faith, and let our eyes constantly be focussed upon Jesus from whom we draw our strength. Grant us to truly know and receive the power of His resurrection for enabling us to live holy lives in obedience to Him.
Thank You for appointing Christ as Head of the church and for choosing us to be members of it. Thank You that You have made us to be Your adopted sons and daughters. Grant us to know the fullness of Your glorious riches. Let us be encouraged in the wonderful truth of knowing that You are our God who does immeasurably more with us than we could possibly imagine. In view of these truths let us not be fainthearted. Give us boldness on account of knowing and believing we are secure in Your keeping. If You are for us, who can be against us?
We delight and rejoice in You because You give us knowledge and insight for discerning the day of Your Son. In view of this, give us zeal for redeeming the time, always making good use of the gifts You have given us for serving You and our brothers and sisters. Help us to love one another as Jesus loves us.
Give us wisdom, strength and power – especially for rebuffing the evil one. Keep us from his crafty wiles. Furthermore please provide us with opportunities for proclaiming the good news of salvation in and through the merits of Your Son. Help us to make disciples in Your name and His, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.
When we meet opposition for keeping Your commandments and for proclaiming Your gospel, give us a steadfast heart. When we are attacked for standing in Your truth, protect us with the full armour of Your might. When testifying to Your truth may we act in humility and with gentleness. Let us never be ‘ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is [Your] power .. … to salvation for everyone who believes.’
Thank You for grafting us into the Vine. On the great day of the Lord – Your day of reaping and of wrath – there will be the loud rejoicings of angels and of Your people. All will be fulfilled on account of Your mercy, grace and love – all things will be done to your glory and for Your good pleasure. Your will will be done.
Father, in these times of great evil, please look favourably upon our Christian brothers and sisters who find themselves in dark lands where they are being persecuted and tortured – even killed for their love of You. We know their salvation is sure, but if it is Your will, please have mercy upon those who oppress them. Open their eyes to see and to know of Your love. May You grant to them repentance and the gift of faith, as You did with Your servant Paul, and may You use them to Your glory.
Jesus prayed for His oppressors, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what what they are doing.”
We thank You that the heart of Your gospel is salvation in Your Son. You did not send Him into the world to condemn it, but to save sinners.
Lead us Heavenly Father; protect and keep us. Bless us in Your love, and we shall praise Your name for evermore. Thank You for promising You will never leave or forsake us, and at the resurrection You’ll transform our bodies to be like Your Son’s for us to see You as You are.
Glory to God in the highest; for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).’
Links to Other Articles on the Subject of Prayer
Prayers of the Bible
https://thebiblicalway.blog/2020/06/14/prayers-of-the-bible/
Prayers for Healing
https://thebiblicalway.blog/2020/05/05/prayers-for-healing/
Paul’s Prayers
The Biblical Way 