The Lord Answers Prayer
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Philemon 1:22
Read Philemon 1:21-25
Paul presumed that Philemon and his family prayed for his release from
prison. After being set free, he hoped to visit Philemon and the congregation
in his house. Paul longed to meet this little congregation and preach
the Word to them. However, the Bible does not reveal whether Paul was
ever able to meet with Philemon and his family. It can be very difficult when
prayer is not answered according to our wishes. That is why our prayers
must always include: Not my will, but Thy will be done.
What is your relationship to God’s servants who are commissioned to bring
His Word? Do you regard them as a blessing given by God? Do you pray for
them, asking the Lord to give them liberty to speak, love for souls and insight
into His Word? Do you plead with God to bless their preaching, teaching
and visits to your home? Do you pray that the Word may be rightly
divided, proclaiming both law and gospel? Do you long that the kingdom of
darkness be defeated and the kingdom of God increase?
The Lord sends His servants to congregations because He does not desire
the sinners’ death, but that they turn from their evil ways and live. The Lord
Jesus is God’s greatest and most precious gift. Just think of John 3:16: God so
loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish but have everlasting life. In Christ Jesus, God’s
people have been given everything! This is all due to God’s grace.
Thought: It is much better to pray for your pastor than to talk about him.
Psalter 431:4,6 (based on Psalm 81)
“Open,” saith the Lord, “Wide thy mouth believing
This My covenant word: ‘I will, if thou plead,
Fill thine every need, All thy wants relieving.'”
“Most abundant good,. If thou wouldst but prove Me
E’en the choicest food, Honey from the comb,
Wheat the finest known, I would pour upon thee.”
