A Christian in ancient Rome was being pursued by a lion. He ran through the city streets and into the woods, dodging back and forth among the trees. Finally it became obvious that it was hopeless. The lion was going to catch him. So he turned suddenly, faced the beast, and dropped to his knees. “Lord,” he prayed desperately, “make this lion a Christian.” Instantly the lion dropped to its knees and prayed, “For this meal of which I am about to partake….”
While this obviously apocryphal story may elicit a chuckle, it also makes a subtle point. While the importance of prayer is indisputable, many of us may not know what the content of our prayer is to be. Particularly as we desire to pray spiritually and Biblically for others, we often stutter and stumble. How should we pray?
Paul gives us two clues about the content of our prayers in Ephesians 6:18 as well as in the many examples in his own prayers. In Ephesians he reminds us that our requests (petitions) are to be unceasing and in a variety of circumstances. Pray persistently throughout the day in every circumstance and event of the day. And pray in accordance with the Spirit. Pray with the desire for your requests to reflect the heart and will of God Himself.
For what specific things should you pray? Here is a partial list:
- for the perseverance of others in ministry (Eph. 6:18-19)
- for the success of the gospel (Eph. 6:20)
- for the restoration of others to God (Js. 5:13-16)
- for forgiveness of sins with those who have been impacted by our sin (Js. 5:16)
- for spiritual strength for those who are weak or discouraged (Eph. 6:10ff; 1 Thess. 5:14; Col. 1:11)
- for the salvation of non-believers (Rom. 10:1; Eph. 5:18-20; 2 Pt. 3:9)
- for the daily physical needs of others (Mt. 6:11)
- with thankfulness for the endurance and maturity of others (1 Thess. 1:2-3; Col. 1:3-4)
- for the Christ-worthy life of others (Col. 1:9-10)
- for the love of other believers to continue to flourish (Phil. 1:9)
Do you notice something about these prayers? They are almost all spiritually oriented. That’s because, as John MacArthur has well noted, “Because the greatest problems are always spiritual, our greatest prayer concern and concentration — whether for ourselves or for others — should be for spiritual protection, strength, and healing.”
How did Paul say it? “…pray at all times in the Spirit.” Pray for the needs of others that are ordained, directed, and reflective of the Spirit of God.
Words of Grace 
What a great post! I still struggle with my prayer time..your suggestions and insights are valuable. Thanks.