GETTING STARTED
We live in a culture of independence, where people seek to run their own lives. Dependency is often considered a sign of weakness, and success is often determined by one’s ability to have it all together. The reality is that none of us really do. We all have needs and struggles, but society tells us to just keep our head up and to work harder. What would happen if we did the opposite? What if we kept our heads down and prayed harder for one another? In today’s passage, the Paul highlights the importance of praying for one another.
- How do you typically respond to struggles in your life? Do you tend to hide it or ask for help? What keeps us from asking others for help?
READ THE WORD: ROMANS 15:30-33 (ESV)
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What was the basis of Paul’s appeal to the Romans to pray for him?
- What were Paul’s prayer requests?
- What does it mean to “strive together” in your prayers to God? What is implied?
- What is it that motivates you to pray for others?
- How have the prayers of others impacted your life?
RESPOND TO GOD
Paul lived his life in total dependence on God and constantly asked others to pray for him and his ministry to the Gentiles. As we continue reading through the New Testament, we discover that God did, in fact, answer Paul’s prayer requests. However, it was not always the way we would think. Paul did end up in Rome, but as a prisoner of those who would eventually put him to death. Paul knew that trials were ahead of him and he begged the Romans to join in his ministry by praying for him. What if we were to do the same? What if we strived together in prayer, as if our friend’s needs were our needs?
- Ask God to open your eyes to the needs of others around you.
- Commit to praying for someone specific today.