Sometimes praying feels like weare throwing darts while eyes closed. We speak of words and wonder if those will hit bulls-eye. We hope that something sticks and that it will be granted and we will get a score.
However, what would happen when we, as Christians pray like Paul? Here's the essence of God's power and how apostle Paul prayed to God.
God, thank you for other people.
Praying for our brothers and sisters is encouraged by Paul. It is also our way of thanking God for providing us the right people who helped us in our lives and brought good things and memories to us.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - (Philippians 1:3-6)
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you." - (Romans 1:8-10)
God, may others be saved.
God already taught us that when we care and love our neighbors, we are also doing it to him. Apostle Paul teaches us to pray for the good of others.
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved." - (Romans 10:1)
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." - (Philemon 5-7)
May we receive the fullness of God's love, hope, faith, mercy, grace and strength.
Praying to receive God's fullness is one of the things apostle Paul teaches us on the gospel.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - (Romans 12:12)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - (Phil. 4:6-7)
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." - (1 Thess. 3:13)
