Devotion 5: How to Pray for Others
Joshua Gervacio
Ephesians 1:16-19
Paul’s Letter to Ephesus
Sitting in prison because of his boldness to preach the Gospel (Acts 21), Paul grabs his pen and paper and begins to write a letter. Although we do not know exactly how long Paul was in prison, it is clear from his writings that he had much time to dwell on the reason for his imprisonment, the richness of the Gospel, his love for the saints, their prayers for him during this time, and to formulate exactly what He wanted to write to the “faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus” and ultimately to the Church worldwide.
Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus, who come from a context that was known to be economically strong, highly religious, and extremely diverse, where their true wealth, blessings, and hope are found. He beautifully reminds the believers of who they are in Christ. He reminds them that they were chosen to be His before the foundations of the world, given a new name and a new family, provided redemption through Christ’s blood, forgiveness of sins, a mind that can understand God and His will, and given a Godly inheritance kept forever for them in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:3-14).
Paul’s Prayer for the Saints
Paul, encouraged by their faith in Christ and love for fellow believers, offers a prayer to God on their behalf that is theologically rich and that provides for us an example of how to pray for our brothers and sisters in the body at Covenant Baptist Church. Often times when praying for others, our first instinct is to pray for the circumstances in which they find themselves. We pray for physical healing, a change in the current season, a relief from the pain they may be experiencing. But Paul’s prayer for the saints in Ephesus (vs 17-19) gives us a model that focuses on the growth of their faith and eternal joy.
“I pray 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.”
Ephesians 1:17
Paul prays that their love and faith in Christ drives them to dig deeper into knowing the character and full revelation of God. He prays that they would be given the spirit of wisdom—which Proverbs describes as the fear of the Lord, the pursuit of His counsel, valuing God over silver and gold, and not despising His Fatherly discipline but trusting His correction.
How can we pray this for one another?
Pray that the pursuit of God is more valuable to them than any other pursuit of this world (Phil. 3:8).
Pray that they would hunger, thirst, and pant after God’s Word, as the deer pants for flowing streams (Ps. 42:1-2).
Pray that the knowledge of God would cause them to understand more their need for Christ’s work on the cross and to remember the domain of darkness they have been rescued from (Col. 1:13).
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is his wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 1:18
If anyone were to question the hope of his calling, it would have been Paul in this moment as he wrote this letter in prison—a situation that was seemingly hopeless (Eph. 3:1, 4:1). But Paul prays that the believer’s hearts are awakened again to the hope that is only found in Christ. Paul’s hope was not tied to his circumstances, but was unwavering because of his confidence and trust in the work of Christ, and that one day He will reign over all, all things will be made new, and we will be with him eternally.
How can we pray this for one another?
Pray that although the circumstances of their lives may be out of control, their hope would be unwavering, unshaken, fully confident in Christ who is Sovereign over all (Col 1:17; Job 42:2; Eph. 1:11).
Pray that the hope of eternal life would bring peace in the midst of trials (Ps. 23).
Pray that the hope of their calling would produce perseverance and joy in knowing that their current circumstances are temporary and that their home is in Heaven where there will be no more sorrow or pain (Phil. 3:12-14).
“And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power towards us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.”
Ephesians 1:19
Paul prays that the believers are reminded of the immeasurable greatness of his power displayed at the Cross when Christ died and was resurrected three days later. When He was raised, death was defeated; the curse from Genesis 3 was reversed. He crushed the head of the Serpent and demonstrated His true power. Paul reminds the believers that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is living in them, which means that there isn’t a sin that cannot be overcome, there isn’t a circumstance that is hopeless, and that nothing can be done in their own power, but only in His.
How can we pray this for one another?
Pray that they would fully understand that Satan has no power over them, because Christ has overcome the Enemy (Heb. 2:14).
Pray that their confidence in fighting sin would come from knowing the resurrecting power of Christ on the Cross (Rev. 21:4).
Pray that they would continue to see the power of the Gospel overcome the brokenness in our culture today (Eph. 6:10-12).
The ending of Ephesians 1 tells us why we are able to confidently come to our Father through Christ, in the Spirit, on behalf of others.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
How to practically develop a life of prayer for others in our church body:
Create a list of members (utilize the Church Directory!) and prioritize certain days of the week and times of the day to pray for members. Start small—make it a goal to pray for at least one member a day.
Create a list of specific, urgent needs in the body, and pray for these daily until the need is met. Document how and when the Lord answered these specific prayers.
Contact the person that you have been praying for, and let them know as a means of encouragement to them.