Thoughts for Life: #9 Paul's Desire for Prayer Partners

C. Peter Wagner shares with us in his book, PRAYER SHIELD, "Apparently the apostle Paul knew all about the value of personal intercession for leaders.

"Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Romans 15:30

This is a much more specific request for personal intercession, since Paul goes on to ask them to pray that his approaching trip to Jerusalem would be successful and that he would be protected from enemies waiting for him there.

He then asks them to pray that he might be able to visit them in Rome. He regards intercession as partnership (striving together) in ministry.

"You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many." 2 Cor. 1:11

As Paul asks the Corinthian believers for intercession, he touches on what Peter also discovered — intercession can be a matter of life and death.

In the preceding verses Paul speaks of "the sentence of death" and being "delivered from so great a death."

We are not told precisely to what he may be referring, but one possibility would be his stoning in Lystra when he was left as dead. Some feel that he really was dead and that God raised him back to life (see Acts 14:19, 20).

"For I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:19)

Paul writes this request from prison. The word "salvation" in the text means 'deliverance', and Paul is depending on the prayers of others for justice to be done and for him to be released.

"I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Philemon 22

This brief reference could easily be overlooked, but again Paul writes from prison and desires to visit his friend Philemon.

He has so much faith that God will answer Philemon's prayers that
he asks him to prepare a guest room!"

Today’s post - #9 The Power of Personal Prayer Partners, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 32-34) By Regal Books

The next post is to be 7/18 , #10 Intercession is a Biblical Concept, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.

Let’s pray: Father, it is my desire today, to honor You and Your servants who watch for our souls. Reveal what it is they need, and how I am to pray for them to be successful in serving You in their position of leadership. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Amos 3:7 (NKJV) "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to his servants the prophets."