Paul recorded many wonderful prayers in his letters. From them, you can tell that he had the utmost concern for the church and for God’s people living in a holy way. Our prayers should show a similar pattern of thought. With this in mind, think about three areas our prayers need to address.
First, our relationship to God. We should want the name of the Lord glorified in us (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). Children of God are to be the salt of the earth and the lights of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Simply put, we are to “walk worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:9-10).
Second, our responsibility to others. We should pray for love among all the saints (Ephesians 1:15). We also need to be of one mind and live peacefully with one another (2 Corinthians 13:11). When we do so, we will continue in fellowship (Acts 16:15; Philippians 1:3-5).
Third, our responsibility to ourselves. Do you increase in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Ephesians 1:17-18)? Every child of God should determine to “approve the things that are excellent” and be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” (Philippians 1:10-11; Galatians 5:22-25). In this way we will be guarded from Satan (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
Paul finished his first letter to the Corinthians by saying, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen” (1 Corinthians 16:23-24). When you pray, think of these three areas and petition your Father in Heaven for what is good instead of “asking amiss” (James 4:3).
Kyle Campbell