0641. 626. Paul’s Way in Prayer

626. Paul’s Way in Prayer

Paul as a man of prayer is patent to the most casual reader of Scripture. Mark the characteristics of his praying.

1. Powerful in Effect—Act_16:25. The earthquake at Philippi and the soul-quake in the Philippian jailer were the result of the prayers in the inner prison.

2. Sympathetic in Spirit—Act_20:36. Paul’s kindly heart, his human touch, his weeping eyes, his holy concern, all tell out his sympathetic spirit.

3. Loving in Fellowship—Act_21:5. He listens to what others have to say, and together they pray about the matter. Matters of difference are best settled on the knees of prayer.

4. Identifying in Love—Act_28:8. Paul’s hands laid on the sick man show his whole-souledness in seeking the other’s blessing. He identified himself with him.

5. Continuous in Exercise. “Without ceasing” Paul prayed (Rom_1:9). Persistency in prayer proves potentiality in petition. “Praying always for you” (Col_1:3, Col_1:9). “Night and day” (1Th_3:10; 2Ti_1:3).

6. Intense in Purpose—Rom_10:1. The soul of prayer is the prayer of the soul, and without soul it is only a lifeless form.

7. Definite in Petition. “I pray to God that ye do no evil” (2Co_13:7). There was much evil in the Church at Corinth, and the best way to get it out was to pray it out, for prayer shuts the door on evil.

8. Pointed in Application. Mark the three “whats” which point Paul’s prayer for the saints in Ephesus—Eph_1:16-20; and the three “thats” for the Philippians—Php_1:9, Php_1:10.

9. Personal in Plea. Mark the “you’s,” “your’s,” and “ye” in 1 Thessalonians 1. The saints called forth his thanks, and Paul did not hesitate to mention in detail to the Lord what was worthy of commendation.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH