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Ephesians 6:19-20 says, And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Paul was in prison for his faith when he wrote the book of Ephesians. He asked the believers to pray that he would have boldness and the words to say when he preached the Good News. They didn't have the New Testament, they were in the middle of living it and writing it. Paul knew that his words were important. He probably didn't know that we'd be reading them two thousand years later. We should pray for pastors, preachers, evangelists and missionaries - that they would have the words to say to share the Good News about Jesus effectively. We should pray that God will give us the right words to share the Good News too. We are all called to share the love of Jesus with those around us - so we're all evangelists.  I often tell people I will pray for them or think of things to pray for during the day, but when I sit down to pray, I forget about them. By writing them down on a prayer list, I always know what to pray for and I remember to pray for people when I've said I will pray for. It also helps you to remember to pray.
 One of the things Paul tells us that we can pray for others is for God to give them the Spirit (that is, the Holy Spirit). Two benefits of the Holy Spirit are:
Next time you're praying for people, pray that God will give them his Holy Spirit.  In Ephesians 1:16 Paul says, "I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers." Verse 15 tells us why he gives thanks for the church.
"For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you" (Ephesians 1:15-16a). It's because of their faith and love. Do you give thanks to God for the people in your life? Make a list now of people that you're thankful for and why. Part two of verse one Paul tells the church that he remembers them in his prayers. Are your prayers centred around yourself and what you want and need? Do they extend to your family and friends? Write down the names of some other people at church and pray for them. You could also pray for your neighbours, teachers and extended family. My daughter has been asking people what they need prayer for and adding it to her prayer list, that way she can pray meaningfully for them. |
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