I apologize for missing yesterday’s post. Something went wrong with the scheduling.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13, KJV 1900)
Have you ever wondered how to pray for others? Sometimes do our prayers not boil down to hospital prayers? It is like the only thing we pray about is the illnesses of those we know. Now, it is not wrong to pray for those who are sick. Yet, should we not get deeper than this in our prayer for others? Paul here gives us a benediction prayer. This is one with which I would sometimes conclude our worship services.
Yet, why just pray these types of things during the conclusion of a gathering. Perhaps when we pray for others, we should consider the principles contained in this and other of the many benedictions of Scripture for inspiration. In this chapter alone, there are three such prayers of benediction. (Romans 15:5-6; 13; 33)
In verses 5-6, Paul prays that believers live in harmony with one another that they may be of one heart in glorifying God. In verse 13, he prays for God to fully supply believers with joy and tranquility, that they may experience hope that exceeds their highest expectations. Last in verse 33, he asks that the God of peace would manifest His presence to the believers. I believe we should consider these things in our prayers for others. These are prayers that call for true blessings even in the midst of life’s varied circumstances.
Renewing the Heart 