PRAY EVERY DAY - Day 2: Pastor Kjell Axel Johansson
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“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Ephesians is called a prison epistle because Paul wrote this letter to the church he planted in Ephesus from a prison cell in Rome. What’s fascinating to me is what it teaches us about Paul and how he handled the unfairness of life. He remained undiscouraged and undefeated! This is just one of four prison letters that Paul wrote to encourage churches in Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae. When you read this personal request from Paul that the church would pray for him, it’s striking what he isn’t asking for. He didn’t ask them to pray that his chains would be removed but that he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ despite his present circumstances. Notice his request for prayer again in Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV). He writes, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
This speaks profoundly to me. We are not limited by our circumstances from accomplishing the will of God right now, regardless of our circumstances. In fact, God can use us in any circumstance if we are available to Him. Prayer is the key! What circumstances do you find yourself in today that you feel are limiting you from doing what God would have you to do, what you would really like to do? Don’t let those circumstances control your attitude or defeat your purpose. Even as you may pray for your circumstances to change, you can pray, like Paul, for God to use you and accomplish His plan through you right where you are!
Another insight I glean from this passage is the need I have for prayer as a pastor. I need people praying for me just as much as you need others to pray for you. Do you have a prayer network supporting you? This is the blessing of a Life Group. Have you shared your need for prayer with them? One of the great privileges and responsibilities we have as fellow Christ followers is to lift one another up in prayer.
Finally, when you pray for missionaries and pastors, pray that whenever they speak God would give them the right words to say and they would speak them boldly. Much of our message today is offensive to the world and counter cultural. Even spiritual giants like the Apostle Paul experienced great fear and opposition, so much so, that he requested not once but twice that they would pray he would fearlessly declare the gospel with every opportunity he was given whether in chains or not!
What a great way to pray today! Pray now for pastors, missionaries and spiritual leaders to fearlessly proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Our world needs Jesus. Then pray that God would use you in whatever circumstances you find yourself today. You may not be where you want to be. I’m sure if Paul had his choice, he wouldn’t want to be stuck in a prison cell. It must have been lonely and difficult. But rather than throwing a pity party, he prayed and wrote his prison letters that have blessed untold millions of people around the world for generations to come! It may have been the only way that God could slow him down enough to write. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances we can pray and be used of God right where we are. Start today!
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.