"I am Praying for You"

by R. J. Evans

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, as a young evangelist he referred to as “my true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). Both of the letters are filled with instructions and admonitions that would come under the catagory of a “charge” (1 Tim. 1:18) that Paul was giving his “son in the faith.” Among other things, Paul charged him to study the Word (2 Tim. 2:15); live the Word (1 Tim. 4:12); preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2). But as noted from our text, Paul charged him “first of all” to pray for others.

Over four years ago, when I was battling for my life in my fight against cancer, there were no sweeter words than to hear brethren say, “I am praying for you.”  I am convinced that I am alive and doing well today because of all the prayers of my brethren from all over the world. I believe this to be especially true in view of the fact that on the day of my surgery, the doctors told Jackie and my sons that I would live 18 months to 2 years.

Prayer is one of the most important duties and privileges of a Christian. And I am convinced that praying for others (“intercessions”) should take up a large portion of our prayer time. There are some valid reasons for believing this.

In our text, Paul is giving a command to intercede by prayer for all men. In the next verse he mentions some in particular— “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:2). Ephesians 6:18 and James 5:16 also commands us to pray for others. Thus, it is a duty commanded by God for every Christian to pray for others.

Our prayers for others manifest brotherly love and an unselfish attitude. These two areas are so important in the life of a Christian. The Apostle Paul said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).This being true, the requests we make for others are just as important as the requests we make for ourselves. When the Lord answers our prayers for others, no doubt, our faith is increased. Jesus said loving our neighbor as our self is the second greatest commandment (Mk. 12:31).

The Apostle Paul prayed for all the churches where he labored.  For example, in his letter to the Ephesians, he assured them of his prayers on their behalf.  He said I “do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Eph. 1:16-17). The list of things he asked God to do for the Colossians was similar (Col. 1:9-12).  Epaphras offered fervent prayers for the Colossian brethren. Paul told them, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12).

I have no doubt that Christians enjoy many blessings from God because some brother or sister in Christ prayed for them. May we not forget that praying for others should be a big part of our lives. What encouraging words when some faithful brother or sister tells us, “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.”  

Other Articles by R. J. Evans
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
 

 

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