To Encourage You

Colossians 1:9 “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you . . . “

Do you realize that others are praying for you?  How thankful we should be for this truth.  So often when we see examples of prayers in the Bible, we think of them as examples of how we should pray, and of course that is true.  However, we should also take note that we are also recipients of prayer.  You see, while Paul authored the letters to the Colossians, Philippians, Galatians, and various other churches and individuals, it was actually the Holy Spirit who was writing these letters through Paul.  Because of this, they are not only letters to the churches in first century Asia Minor, but also to each individual church and believer that is alive today.  Surely, all Scripture is “breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), including the Bible’s prayers.  So, when Paul uses the word “we” in the verse above, although he is referring to himself and Timothy, (see Colossians 1:1), the Holy Spirit is saying “we” as well. 

But in what sense?  For one, any prayers of Paul, Timothy, or any other Christian, for that matter, involve the Holy Spirit praying through them.  For example, we are told in Ephesians 6:18 that we are at all times to “pray in the Spirit,” i.e., prayers led by, motivated by, and in accord with the indwelling Holy Spirit.  In addition, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).  And not only the Spirit, but Jesus Himself, “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25).  Even when Jesus walked on earth 2,000 years ago He was praying for us, as we hear these words from His wonderful prayer in John 17: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”  And with these words, Jesus is setting the example for others who follow Him to pray for us as well.   

But perhaps you’re an unbeliever right now.  Are you being prayed for?  The answer is ”very likely,” for believers who are filled with and obedient to the Holy Spirit are right now obeying this command: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, . . .This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 

Praise God for His Spirit directed prayers on our behalf.  And praise God that while we were yet sinners, there were people praying even then for us.  May He guide us in prayer to be filled with His Spirit, and thereby to be one who remembers to pray for others who either are now in the kingdom, or who are among those “who will believe” in the end.