PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD This is a continued listing of revealed Apostolic prayers – prayers for the people of God. There are both directions and focus in these prayers that are worthy of noting. They make known to us how the Holy Spirit impacts upon the hearts of spiritual leaders, and how the Lord moves them to shape and direct their prayers and ministry. -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 3 of 32
The spirit of these prayers is the norm of the kingdom of God. They do not represent a cultural or ethnic context, and are not driven by problems or difficulties peculiar a particular congregation.
It is of interest that the recorded prayers for people are nearly always for those who are identified with God. Exceptions would be Abraham's prayer for Ishmael and Abimelech (Gen 17:20; 20:17). Those praying for the people of God include Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles. I do not believe that this indicates it sinful to pray for the lost, but it should move the people of God to reflect upon their prayers with great sobriety. The clear thrust of revealed prayers is for the people of God.
15. INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. That those in Christ would be found "increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10c). This involves a personal acquaintance and familiarity with the Lord Himself – being knowledgeable of His ways, manners, and intentions.
16. STRENGTHENED WITH ALL MIGHT. That they would be "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power" (Col 1:11a). It should be obvious that such strengthening has no limitations. It provides for thorough equipping, protection, and enablement. It brings sufficiency and adequacy to us.
17. PATIENCE AND LONGSUFFERING WITH JOYFULNESS. That Divine power in them would result in "all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Col 1:11b). Being able to continue making progress to glory and endure all things is challenging enough. To do so "with all joyfulness" emphasizes the need for Divine enablements.
18. PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN GOD'S WILL. That believers would "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col 4:12). Perfection and completeness speak of spiritual maturity – growing up into Christ "in all things" (Eph 4:15). Attaining to that condition "in all the will of God" is a most arresting consideration.
19. COMPLETE SANCTIFICATION. That God would "sanctify you wholly . . . your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess 5:23). Salvation provides for the thorough dedication of every part of our being. Only God is capable of fulfilling this provision.
20. WORTHY OF GOD'S CALLING. That saints would be counted "worthy of this calling" (2 Thess 1:11). The calling of God not only involves extrication from the dilemma of sin, but participation in the purpose of God. There is a certain worthiness that accompanies such involvement, and only God can bring it to pass.
21. FULFILLING GOD'S PLEASURE AND THE WORK OF FAITH. That God would "fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness in the saints, and the work of faith with power" (2 Thess 1:11). This request stretches the mind and the heart. It involves the fulfillment of every Divine intention for the individual, and the powerful effects of faith.
22. THE NAME OF JESUS GLORIFIED. That the "name of our Lord Jesus Christ" would be "glorified" in believers (2 Thess 1:12). Christ receives glory in believers when they complement His purposes, and do not distract from them.
23. THE COMMUNICATION OF YOUR FAITH. That God would cause the "communication of thy faith" to "become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 1:6). The communication of one's faith occurs within the framework of doing the will of the Lord. The effects of faith are thus communicated to others, accruing to the glory of God and the benefit of saints.
24. GOD WORKING IN YOU. That God would make the saints "perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever" (Heb 13:21). The thoroughness of this work is refreshing to consider. Here is God working freely in individuals and congregations in such a manner as to fulfill His purposes and bring great satisfaction and pleasure to Himself.
A consideration of the prayer requests made known in the average American congregation will find a near-total absence of such petitions and supplications. I fear that much of the prayer of our time is too close to the world, and too far from God's "eternal purpose." A few insightful souls can assist in correcting this condition.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to pray in accord with Your purpose for Your people.