“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
As we focus on prayer in May You Pray, we Start with Praise for God, and then we can move on to praying for other people in our lives! This podcast gives an introduction into this topic. Listen in, then, in this conversation, let’s look at Ephesians 1:15-16 and seek Jesus about who He wants us to pray for and how He wants us to pray for them! Go through each of the questions, asking God the what, why and how. As He leads you, May You Pray for People Each Day!
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
We see in this passage that the Apostle Paul deeply cared about his Christian friends in Ephesus. When he heard an update about their faith and love, he didn’t just make a mental note and move on, though. Instead, he prayed for them and wrote them this letter called “Ephesians.” What’s more, he didn’t just occasionally pray for them; he said he never stopped praising God and praying for them! ~ Who are some of the people you care about? How often do you remember to pray for them? Tell God some reasons you are thankful for them.
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
When someone matters to us, we should pray for them! The Bible encourages us, “Pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen” (James 5:16 ERV). Prayer is powerful and great things happen because God hears and answers! He promised, “You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). With promises like this, we can confidently lean into prayer for our family, friends and other people. ~ Do you sometimes give up on prayer? Is there someone who you have given up praying for? What does God want you to do?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
One godly leader took prayer so seriously that he said, “I would never sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23a NIRV). We can pray like this, too! Remembering to pray may mean stopping to pray at a certain time each day, praying through a prayer list on a regular basis, or simply whispering a silent prayer when God brings someone to mind. However and whenever you intercede for others, remember to pray for people each day! ~ What are some ways you can remind yourself to pray for those you love? What are some specific requests you can pray for them right now? Pray aloud today’s theme verses; start memorizing these verses today!
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
Paul prayed for people, and he asked people to pray for him too, saying: “You also must help us by prayer…” (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV). Prayer is such an important way we can help others. Today, keep your eyes open to see if there is someone you can offer to pray with along the way. If they say no, that’s okay! Move on! But if they say yes, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to minister to someone in Jesus’ Name!
