Praying God's Word: Prayers of Paul (Part 2)Sample

PRAY FOR EFFECTIVE SHARING OF THE FAITH

Philemon 1:4-7– I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Paul prayed often for Philemon, and he prayed with thanksgiving to God. Philemon had been such a blessing to Paul who prayed often and gratefully for him.

Making mention means Paul did not always pray long, intricate prayers for Philemon, but he did often make mention of Philemon in his prayers.

Paul thanked God for Philemon because of his love and faith – first towards Jesus and then towards all the saints. The word “saints” in the New Testament describes every true Christian, not just a few exceptional Christians.

Paul prayed for Philemon, desiring that the sharing of his faith would become effective as Philemon understood the work God did in him (every good thing which is in you).

This is the foundation for all effective evangelism: the overflow of a life touched and changed by God. God had done every good thing in the life of Philemon. Now, it was a matter of it being acknowledged by both Philemon and those he shared the faith with. When these good things were understood, others would come to Jesus. The reason why some sharing of the faith is not effective is that we don’t know or can’t communicate every good thing God has done for us.

The sharing of your faith: It is possible Paul means the sharing of material things, prompted by faith. The ancient Greek word for sharing is koinonia, and sometimes Paul used koinonia, which means “fellowship, sharing,” to describe giving (2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Romans 15:6).

Paul remembered how wonderfully Philemon had met the needs of other Christians. He effectively refreshed the hearts of others.

Prompt: Pray Philemon 1:4-7. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand every good thing we have in Christ. Look for opportunities to share your love and faith, and to refresh the hearts of others. 

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