Prayer found in Paul’s Epistles

Prayer found in Paul’s Epistles

Prayer is giving thanks , reflecting on Gods goodness, grace working in others. Eph 1:15-16

There is a significant connection with Eph 1:16 and Romans 1:8-10

In Romans , Paul hears of the good works of the saints, that their faith is bearing fruit. For Romans it was that their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world, which would indicate that the saints were sharing/talking about the gospel with people.

In Ephesian letters, Paul writes: I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and that their works (love) being ministered unto the saints. Its clear that Paul gives thanks for them.

What does Paul pray for toward the saints? In the letters to Ephesus, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

What does Paul pray for in the letters to the Romans? v10 a prosperous journey to meet with them in person, but notice “by the will of God”. Paul recognizes that Gods will may be different than his will. Not to say that Paul had error in his grace stirred desires, but that we must be sensitive to Gods will.

Why did Paul want to meet the Romans in person? v11 to impart unto them spiritual gift and he defines what the fruit of the spiritual gift is: ye may be established; its always the word of God that we stand on. Its so important that we have an understanding of Gods word to us. Understanding which parts of the Gods words are for your participation and which parts are not. For we are commanded on how to study the word of God, rightly divided. Paul would share the dispensational truth of God with the gentile Romans. Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

So what is prayer (dispensationally speaking)?

Praying for the saints to grow in Gods grace, doing good to one another, sharing the gospel to those who don’t know it or who are opposed to the grace gospel (though they claim to be Christian or religious), and that we would be established in Gods word.