If you’re starting to sense a theme in the prayers of the New Testament church, you’re sensing correctly. The more you read the New Testament, the more you’ll realize the whole motivation in Pauls’ life, the life the the apostles and the life of the members of the churches was spread the gospel. They wanted to advance the Gospel as far as they possibly could in the time they had on earth. So, yes their prayers were for God to save the unbelievers.
They called on God to save unbelievers.
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God on behalf of my fellow Israelites is for their salvation. (Romans 10:1)
While we do see that Paul was praying for the entire nation of Israel, he most certainly had some specific names in his head. There were certainly people from his former life as zealous Pharisee that he wished would have the same revelation he had. I’m guessing he would have made friends in his pursuit to torture Christians, and the names of these men must have been running through his head as he prayed for their salvation.
Who are you praying for? Paul was praying for people he was connected to, people who were within his sphere of influence, which means we should be as well. Do you regularly pray for your 8 to 15? Are you committed to praying for them every day? If not, why? Do you not understand just how amazing this gift of salvation is that you have received? Okay, maybe that was a little heavy-handed (or was it?), but don’t you know how amazing this grace is that we have all received? If you don’t fully understand it, then I beg you to dig in and read more. If you need help, ask – I’d love to help you gain a fuller understanding.
The good news is, you can start right now. You can’t make up for lost time, but you can be zealous in your prayers for their soul. So, why not start now? Why not do what Paul did? Call on God to save the unbelievers in your life.
The Three for Morning, Afternoon and Evening.
“Now for Next” Prayer
What do we need to do now as a church to be ready for what God has for us next.
“What’s My Role” Prayer
Pray for God to show us the role we will play individually in accomplishing that mission.
The Conclusion
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.