By Andrew Hess

The prayers of Paul for God’s people are a fascinating study. It’s interesting to observe the requests Paul makes. His prayers focused on hearts and minds being conformed to Christ.

D.A. Carson wrote an excellent book on Paul’s prayers, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. In it, he says we should seek “to find out exactly what it is he asks God for on their [the people he prays for] behalf, and compare the results with what we normally ask for.”

Take these prayers to your next staff meeting and spend time praying them over your congregation. Better yet, pick some to memorize and pray over your people daily!

1. Paul thanked God for each one of his people.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…” (Romans 1:8-10)

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 1:4)

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…” (Ephesians 1:16)

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…” (Philippians 1:3-4)

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…” (Colossians 1:3)

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3a)

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right…” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” (2 Timothy 1:3)

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers…” (Philemon 1:4)

2. Paul prayed for their wisdom and knowledge.

“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…” (Ephesians 1:17)

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” (Colossians 1:9)

3. Paul prayed they would be full of hope.

“…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” (Ephesians 1:18)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

4. Paul prayed they would live in peace and unity.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

5. Paul prayed they would be strengthened with spiritual power.

“…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:16 ESV)

“…that you may know…what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might…” (Colossians 1:11a)

6. Paul prayed they would learn to abide in Christ.

“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” (Ephesians 3:17a)

“…that you…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)

7. Paul prayed they would grow in their love for others.

“…that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” (Ephesians 3:17b)

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more…” (Philippians 1:9a)

8. Paul prayed for their righteousness and purity.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

“…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him…” (Colossians 1:10a)

“But we pray to God that you may not do wrong…” (2 Corinthians 13:7a)

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

9. Paul prayed they would overflow with praise and thanks to God.

“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:12)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…” (2 Corinthians 1:3)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…” (Ephesians 1:3)

“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12)

10. Paul prayed for opportunities to minister to them.

“…as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10)

Who is Apostle Paul?

The Apostle Paul is a significant figure in the New Testament and an influential leader in early Christianity. Originally Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul converted after encountering Christ on the road to Damascus. His subsequent ministry involved extensive travels, establishing churches, and writing epistles that form a substantial part of the New Testament.

The prayers of Paul offer deep insights into his pastoral heart and are a powerful model for our own intercession. D.A. Carson’s book, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, Priorities from Paul and His Prayers, explores the prayers of the Apostle Paul and challenges us to align our requests with God’s will, just as Paul’s prayers in the Bible demonstrate.

How Paul’s Prayers Help Us?

The prayers of the Apostle Paul offer profound insights and serve as a guide for our spiritual growth and intercessory practices. Here's how Paul's prayer for the church enables and enriches our faith journey:

Deepening Our Spiritual Focus

The prayers of the Apostle Paul emphasize spiritual maturity and growth. By studying Paul’s prayers in the Bible, we learn to prioritize spiritual wisdom, hope, peace, and strength in our own prayers.

Encouraging Intercessory Prayer

The prayer of Saint Paul exemplifies constant intercession for others. This inspires us to be persistent in praying for our church, friends, and family, mirroring Paul’s pattern of thanksgiving and intercession.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Paul's prayers foster unity and love within the Christian community. Praying for the well-being and spiritual growth of others as Paul did helps build stronger, more cohesive church communities.

Providing a Model for Prayer

The specific requests in Paul's prayers for the church provide a template for our own prayers. By incorporating his petitions into our prayer life, we ensure our prayers are aligned with biblical principles.

Increasing Our Faith and Hope

Reflecting on Paul's prayers in the Bible reinforces our faith in God's promises. His prayers remind us that God is always at work in our lives, perfecting us and empowering us to live righteously.

By adopting the principles in the prayers of the Apostle Paul, we enhance our spiritual discipline and contribute to the growth and unity of the body of Christ.

The prayers of the Apostle Paul provide a rich tapestry of spiritual insights and practical guidance. By studying and incorporating Paul's prayers in the Bible into our daily lives, we align our hearts and minds with the will of God, fostering spiritual growth and community unity. Whether you’re praying for wisdom, peace, strength, or love, the prayers of Paul serve as a powerful template to enrich your intercessory practices and deepen your relationship with Christ. Let these timeless petitions inspire and transform your prayer life, drawing you closer to God and His glorious promises.

Andrew Hess is the director of content at the White Horse Inn and editor of corechristianity.com. He formerly served as the editor of churchleaders.com. His writing has been featured on The Gospel Coalition and Focus on the Family. He lives in San Diego with his wife Jen and they recently welcomed their first child. Connect with Andrew on Twitter @AndrewWHess.