Scripture to Read: Romans 1:9–10
Today we see how God led Paul to continue to encourage the believers in Rome by how he continually prayed for them. As you read God's Word, ask our Lord not to let you miss what He said through Paul to these early believers in Romans 1:9–10, For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. While Paul had not yet seen the believers in Rome, he had a longing to meet them. Paul was motivated by his service to God, preaching the gospel of Christ and praying for the believers in Rome. Paul prayed fervently for his brothers and sisters in Christ, and through his prayers came an urgency to be with them. Paul's prayer life should serve as a convicting reminder to us. Too often, when we meet and talk with people, we may use the phrase "I'll be praying for you." Yet, when the meeting and conversation is over, we forget to pray for them. We fall into the trap, "out of our sight, out of our mind." God is using Paul here in Romans 1:9–10 to remind us how critical it is for us to pray for all believers (Ephesians 6:18). Even if believers are out of sight, they need to be continually on our hearts as we pray daily for them.
Challenge & Application
· How does God and His Word motivate you to pray for all believers (Ephesians 6:18)?
· Who will you be praying for this week? (Think about the last person you told, “I’m praying for you!”)
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!