1. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
2. Colossians 1:9-14
3. Philippians 1:3-6
4. Ephesians 1:15-23

Paul, a man with a many number of concerns in his life, was writing from prison. He wasn't writing to his wife or kids as an inmate today might do: he had none. He was writing to his yokefellow; his brothers and sisters in Christ! He often started his letters with greetings and encouragement...Encouragement that spoke the truth in love and expressed a concern for their spiritual wellbeing. How did he prove to them that he loved them? He prayed for them. He interceded.

I intercede for my friends often. Most often when I see them in pain; struggling desperately for a grip on life. One of my friends had a father who passed away a few years back. We were pretty close (still are) and I could see her struggling with it. I prayed often for her, and even though I pretty much proved myself a total dummy by trying to comfort her with words, the thing that mattered was that I was there for her. I held her as she cried and wailed about missing her Daddy so much that it made my heart hurt.

I have many friends with many needs, and I know that praying is the best thing I can do to prove my love for them. Not just because it takes up my time to say the words to God when He already knows what's going on, but because I care enough to come humbly before the God of Wonders and plead on their behalf. I come because sometimes my friends don't have the strength to do it themselves. I pray for God's grace to fall upon them; that whatever occurs in the situation will honor God through them.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, we see a pretty good example of Pauls prayers for the church at Ephesus. Here's an outline of what he prayed about--and what WE should pray about:

1. (v.16a) We should thank God for our friends
2. (v.16b) Although some might not believe it, repetition is important. Our persistence in praying for our friends will increase our effectiveness.. and our dedication and love for them.
3. (v.17) Spiritual wisdom and understanding. This includes being able to see God working in a situation. And even if you DON'T see God working, having FAITH that He IS.
4. (v.18) Pray that our friends will know that there is always hope because God has promised a bright and glorious future to all those He has called.
5. (v.19-23) Pray that God will reveal to your friend the greatness of His power in them: the same power that raised our blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ from the dead. And this power is the greatest. Period.
6. Most of all, added to praying for them, let them know that you are praying for them. Not only will it let them know that you care, but it will let them know that they have your prayer support before God.

Archives
1. God's take on ABORTION - by Ruth
2. She Loved Me Enough to Hurt My Feelings - by Ruth (03.19.01)