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.”