Pray for Me That …

The apostle ends his discussion of spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-20) on the following personal note: “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel … that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should” (vv. 19-20).

Paul was wise enough to know his own need of supernatural strength in being able to stand against the enemy, and he was humble enough to ask his brothers and sisters to pray for him in this matter.

Imagine this great apostle, probably the most powerful and effective disciple of Christ the world has ever seen, asking his friends to pray for him. Truly, the greater a Christian is, the more he realizes his dependence on the prayers of others. Paul knew full well the power that was against him, and he did not hesitate to ask for the prayers of the church in Ephesus.

Notice also that his request for prayer was clear and specific. When you ask someone to pray for you, be equally specific. Don’t just say, “Pray for me,” but “Pray for me that …” Paul’s request was not that he might be delivered from prison, but that through his testimony in prison the gospel of Christ might be advanced. He knew that the most important thing was not to triumph over prison but to triumph in it. He knew he was where God wanted him for that time, and he would allow no self-interest to interfere with the divine schedule.

Further Study

2Th 3; 1Th 5:25; Rm 12:2

What was Paul’s request?

Whom are you praying for regularly?