• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Beloved, I pray..."

Text: 3 John 2

BEGINNING WITH PRAYER

It should not come as a surprise that the Apostle John began his letter with sharing about how he prayed for Gaius.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health,
just as your soul prospers.”
3 John 2

1. “Beloved”

a) John continues to address Gaius as “beloved”.

b) This reflects the following: –

i) This affection was deep.

ii) This love was true.

iii) It was natural.

iv) It was wholesome.

v) This was how John regarded Gaius as he wrote to him.

2. “I pray”

a) This was not the usual word that was commonly used (proseuchomai).

b) This word reflects John’s affection for Gaius.

i) The word itself is well within the semantic field of prayer (euchomai).

ii) It reflects a good sense of regard for Gaius.

iii) His prayer for Gaius was not just a petition on his behalf.

iv) John must have offered a prayer that was greatly tinged with affection for Gaius.

3. Love and prayer

a) It is obvious that affection affects prayer.

b) John did not pray for Gaius in a perfunctory manner.

c) He prayed for Gaius out of a heart of great affection.

d) He wished Gaius well even as he prayed for him.

4. Strong motivation for prayer

a) Faith moves the heart to see God in prayer.

b) Love further moves the heart to pray “for one’s beloved”.