HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Be Specific in Prayer

Be Specific in Prayer

Yet, the Bible provides us with examples of prayers for others that were more specific, individualized.  Reflect on Jesus' comment recorded at Luke 22:31, 32.  He was surrounded by 11 faithful apostles.  All of them would need God's support in the difficult times ahead, and Jesus prayed for them.  (John 17:9-14)  Still, Jesus singled out Peter, making unique supplication for that one disciple.  Other examples:  Elisha prayed that God help one specific man, his attendant.  (2 Kings  6:15-17) The apostle John prayed that Gaius continue well physically and spiritually.  (3 John 1, 2) And other prayers focused on limited groups. -Job 42:7, 8; Luke 6:28; Acts 7:60; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2.

Paul's letters bring to the fore the matter of very specific prayers.  He asked that prayer be offered for him or for him and his associates. Colossians 4:2, 3 reads: "Be preserving in prayer, remaining awake in it with thanksgiving, at the same time praying also for us, that God may open a door of utterance to us, to speak the sacred secret about the Christ, for which, in fact, I am in prison bonds."  Consider too, these other examples: Romans 15:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Hebrews 13:18.

The same was true of Paul's associate in Rome.  "Epaphras, who is from among you, . . .sends you his greetings, always exerting himself in your behalf in his prayers."  (Colossians 4:12) The word rendered "exerting" can suggest "struggling," as by a gymnast in the ancient games.  Was Epaphras fervently praying simply about the worldwide body of believers or even about  true worshipers all over Asia Minor?  Paul indicated that Epaphras was praying specifically for those in Colossae.  Epaphras knew their situation.  We do not know them all by name, nor do we know what problems confronted them, but imagine some possibilities.  Perhaps young Linus was battling the influence of prevailing philosophies, and Rufus may have needed strength to resit the draw of his former practices in Judaism.  Having an unbelieving husband,m did Persis need endurance and wisdom to raise her children in the Lord, and did Asyncritus, who suffered from a  terminal illness, require extra comfort?  Yes, Epaphras knew those in his home congregation, and he earnestly prayed about them because both he and Paul wanted such devoted ones to walk worthily of Jehovah.

Next time: Conclusion of Be Specific in Prayer

The Watchtower, 2000