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In I Tim. 2: 1 Paul exhorts that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men". In the verses we have quoted above the Ephesians are
exhorted to pray with all prayer and supplication, and this follows after the description of
the spiritual armour. So, at first, Paul is referring to their stand against the enemy,
which should then be buttressed with prayer and supplication. As they pray they must
"watch . . . . . with all perseverance", and he adds "and supplication for all saints". So
prayer and supplication, which is continual as the enemy exerts pressure on the saints,
must be extended to include "all saints". Prayer and supplication is thus extended to
intercession for others who are equally involved in the conflict. But Paul adds, while you
pray for others, please include me. I am in prison, in chains, an ambassador in bonds, and
I need your prayers so that I may be given a door of utterance, that I may open my mouth
boldly (as I ought to do) to make known the mystery of the gospel. It may surprise us
that Paul urgently needed their prayers, but let us remember that even the advanced
preacher or teacher is in need of prayer support. This work of intercession was vital for
Paul, and it is still vital today. Here is a most important work that each one of us may do.
Let us share the burden of the ministry, of leadership, by praying for those who carry the
responsibility; but as we remember Paul's instruction to Timothy, may we widen our
prayers of intercession to include all men. Pray for those in authority, and all who are in
distress or in need of any kind.
Before we leave these observations on references to prayer, may we very briefly look
at Colossians and Philippians:
Prayer in Colossians.
"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for
you, since we heard of your faith . . . . ." (1: 3, 4).
"For this cause we also . . . . . do not cease to pray for you" (1: 9).
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying for us
. . . . . . . a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ . . . . . . . as I ought to speak"
(4: 2-4).
"Epaphras . . . . . always labouring fervently for you in prayers" (4: 12).
The quotations are similar to those we have seen in Ephesians, and it would be
interesting to compare the two epistles. To follow such a study see The Testimony of the
Lord's Prisoner by Charles H. Welch, especially pages 11, 205 & 206.
In Philippians there are three references to prayer. We will not comment on them as
they speak for themselves.
Prayer in Philippians.
PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THEM: "Always in every prayer of mine for you all making
request with joy" (1: 4).
THEIR PRAYER FOR PAUL: "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through
your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (1: 19).
THEIR OWN PRAYER: ". . . . . but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God . . ." (4: 6).