Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."
Text: Ephesians 1:15-16
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Paul was deeply committed to the ministry of prayer. This was a vital ministry that was spontaneously and naturally developed in the Church.
1. Commencement of the Church (in Jerusalem) in prayer
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…”
ACTS 1:14
2. Commitment to the Ministry of Prayer in the Church (Apostles/ Church Leaders)
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
ACTS 6:4
3. Commitment to the spiritual discipline of maintaining a personal Prayer-life
a) The apostle Peter
“Peter went up on the housetop to pray…”
ACTS 10:9
b) Paul and Silas
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…”
ACTS 16:25
THE INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
It is amazing to note that the apostle Paul found time, amidst his heavy ministry schedule, to cultivate a deep and meaningful intercessory ministry. What moved Paul to cultivate an effective ministry of prayer?
“Therefore I also…”
The inferential particle “therefore” suggests “motivating factors”.
1. Correct comprehension of the ministry of the Gospel
The ministry of the Gospel and the ministry of prayer are inseparable. This was well-exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself
i) He began His public ministry in prayer. Matthew 4:1-2
ii) He would rise up early to begin each day in prayer. Mark 1:35
iii) He maintained a prayer discipline throughout His ministry. Luke 5:16
2. Personal Experience of difficulties found in actual ministry
Any one who has had deep personal experience in the work of proclaiming the Gospel would appreciate the many difficulties that are to be found in the ministry. Prayerlessness is unthinkable in the ministry of the Gospel.
3. Natural spiritual inclination towards prayer
Paul, and all like-minded brethren, yielded themselves to the leading of the Spirit of God in prayer.
“…but you received the Spirit of adoption
by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'”
ROMANS 8:15