Prayer

Today's devotional reading comes from Romans 15. What Paul will do here (and tomorrow in ch.16) is wrap up with some future plans. The verses I us want to meditate on today are 15:30-33. Here, Paul begs for their prayers. Remember, at the time of writing this letter, Paul is in Corinth making preparation to go back to Jerusalem. And you will recall from our book of Acts devotions, there was much trouble awaiting Paul in Jerusalem. And through that entire ordeal, Paul ended up a prisoner and that is how he eventually made it to Rome--in Roman custody. I am convinced that what protected Paul and eventually got him to Rome is found right here. Here he asked them to pray for:
1. His Safety v.31a
2. His Success v.31b
3. His Satisfaction v.32
(Go back and read these two verses.)
It's interesting that Paul began this letter telling the Romans that he prayed for them (ch.1:9-10), and now he closes the letter asking them to pray for him. I am convinced that the greatest yet simplest thing we can do for the Kingdom of God is PRAY. And yet therein lies the problem. It's so simple that we pass over it and neglect it. We say to people, "Well the least I can do for you is pray." No! That's the greatest thing you can do! What greater thing can you do than to reach up to the strong arm of Almighty God and ask Him to intervene in someone's situation? That is the greatest thing you can do! Prayer is vitally important. Think about it. Search the Gospels and you'll see, Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, but He did teach them how to pray. So let's pray for each other and not neglect this great privilege.
Closing prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I pray for all those that read this each day. I pray for their protection and Your provision in their lives. I pray that You would give them discernment so they can discern Your will for their lives. I pray that You would give them quality time to spend with You so that they can be restored and renewed each day. I pray that You will supply all of their needs today, and that You will strengthen their faith. Help them Lord to endure through any trials that, in the end, will only serve to strengthen their faith. Thank You for their willingness to serve and the sacrifices they make. Father, may You complete the good work that You began in their lives till the Day of Jesus Christ. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen."