Category Archives: Prayer

Answers, Bible, Hearing, Prayer, Requests, Scripture

PRAYER REQUESTS

ROMANS 1:10

“always in my prayers requesting if perhaps now, at last by the will of God, I will succeed in coming to you.”

I often ask waitresses or waiters at restaurants if I can pray for a request they may have. I did that this week at a Waffle House here in the Knoxville area. The waitress really shocked me when she said, “Yea, pray my husband can find work so we can stop living in the tent.” I agreed to pray and did as we blessed our meal. (I also left her a generous tip.) Prayer requests should be made knowing the Lord hears and will answer.

Paul wrote this letter to the Romans from Corinth hoping to visit them after he delivered a gift to the Jerusalem church and on his way to Spain. Paul uses a Greek word for “requesting” that goes beyond just asking. HELPS Word studies says, déomai (from the root deō, ‘having deep personal need, to be in want,’ see also déēsis, ‘felt-need’) – properly, to feel pressing need because of lack – hence, to make urgent appeal; to have deep personal need causing one to beseech (make earnest, specific request).” Spiros Zodhiates, a Greek scholar I knew personally, emphasizes the middle voice of this word. It’s a personal felt-need that drives Paul to make this request of God.

APPLICATION

In Luke 5:12 we see this same word used. “While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’” Of course, we know what happened. Jesus was willing and healed him. Look at the next verse there. “And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” Why would Jesus not do the same for us when we beg Him like this?

When Paul appeared before Agrippa, he was still begging, not for his life, but for Agrippa to hear him clearly. “…I beg you to listen to me patiently.” Have you begged someone to listen to you? I meet with men all the time. I beg them sometime to listen to His Word, not the world. I beg them to get quiet and listen for God’s voice. I beg them to put aside any impurity in their lives and walk with Jesus.

I am begging you today. I implore you today. Listen to the words of Christ. Get into His Word and see for yourself what He will do for you, if you just obey. I am begging God for you. And like Paul, I am asking the God of heaven to allow me to see some of your faces soon.

Father, I know You hear every request we make. Help me show this personal heart-felt need to come to You daily on behalf of others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Prayer, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS

ROMANS 1:9

“For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,”

Whether you realize it or not, God is our witness in all things. We cannot escape His presence. Just ask Jonah and Gideon and Elijah. I could go on and name many from the Scriptures who tried to deny God’s presence, only to be reminded He is always there. When we were little, we would hide under tables or behind doors to try to escape our parents’ eyes if we had done something wrong. It didn’t work, did it? The same applies with us and God. His eyes behold all.

But Paul wasn’t saying that he was trying to hide something from God. On the contrary, he is pointing to God as his witness regarding his prayers for these Roman believers. God, after all, was the recipient of his prayers. The Greek word for “witness” is martus and “points to a person who testifies to what he or she has seen or knows. In Scripture the role is never neutral; a witness is accountable before God to state the truth and, if necessary, to seal that testimony with life itself.” (Topical Lexicon).

APPLICATION

Paul uses this phrase four other times (2 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; Philippians 1:8). Each time he is showing that what we say here on earth, even in our prayers, is heard in the heavenlies. What better witness do we need? If God can testify on our behalf, who could contest it? Later in Romans 8, we read these verses that apply to that. Verse 31 reads, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” And verses 33-34 go on to say, “33 Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Are you shouting “Hallelujah” yet? Understand this – God is your witness. He testifies on your behalf. He is your advocate. People have tried to bribe or outright buy witnesses to help their case in courts. It doesn’t work, does it? Once that is discovered there is even more to answer for. But if we rely on the One True Witness, all is good. He knows our failures, but we are His child.

Can you say today with Paul that God is your witness as to how you pray for others? When someone asks you to pray for them, do you do it? Stop right there and do it. God will be your witness if they ever ask Him if you did. He heard your prayer. And He will answer accordingly.  

Father, thank You for testifying on my behalf before my accusers. You know me fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Confession, God's Will, Praise, Prayer, Scripture

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

PHILIPPIANS 2:11

“and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

They say confession is good for the soul. What do you think? I try to stay “confessed up” about my sins. Every morning as I begin my prayer time I confess any known sins in my life. I confess any wrong words or deeds. I confess any wrong or impure thought. I ask forgiveness for anything I may have done that is not pleasing to the Lord. Only then do I begin my prayers for others. I want the slate clean.

The Greek word used by Paul for “confess” is a compound word. It’s “eksomologéō (from ek, ‘wholly out from,’ intensifying homologéō, ‘say the same thing about’) – properly, fully agree and to acknowledge that agreement openly (whole-heartedly); hence, to confess (“openly declare”), without reservation (no holding back).” (HELPS Word Studies). Did you catch that? It means to FULLY agree with God.

APPLICATION

Interestingly, this word can also be translated as “praise.” It is used that way in Luke 10:21 when Jesus is talking to His Father and says, “‘I praise You, O Father.’” Jesus always agreed fully with His Father. He said as much when He said that He only spoke the words His Father gave Him. John 12:49-50 says, “49 ‘For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’”

Wouldn’t it be wise for us to do the same? Our sins are known to the Father. He knows all and sees all. So, just agree with Him about your sins and confess them. Agreeing with God is not so hard. It does take humility and recognizing that He is God and you’re not. Right?

The same word is used in James 5:16 where we are told to “confess your sins to one another.” Now, that is hard. Be careful to whom you confess, though. They should be a trusted brother or sister in Christ and have your best interest at heart. Confession to another is an act of accountability and we all need that. So, today get all “confessed up.”

I confess to You today, O Lord, all my sins and transgressions against You and others. Please forgive me.

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Bible, Jesus, Names, Prayer, Scripture

NAME ABOVE ALL

PHILIPPIANS 2:9

For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

Some people think they are something just because of their name. There are a lot of famous people who are known by name worldwide. There’s Gandhi, Hitler, Trump, just to name a few. They are so famous only one name is required. I don’t want to be that famous. It would spoil my trips to Waffle House, lol.

There is one other name, however, that is known worldwide – Jesus. This name transcends cultures, ages and even languages. Paul says it was God who bestowed or gave this name to Him. In Luke 1:31 we read what the angel told Mary, “‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.’”

APPLICATION

Now, Jesus is known by many names – Christ, Lord, Immanuel, Lamb of God, Son of God, Son of Man, The Word, Savior, Redeemer, Light of the world. It doesn’t really matter which name you choose; He will answer to them all. He listens as you call on one of His many names. So, don’t hesitate to call Him by name.

To call someone by name means you know that person and that you have some kind of relationship. When I was working with children, I made it a point to learn the children’s names. I would often get down on my knees when I talked to them to be on their level. I wanted to look them in the eyes when I called their name (which I would try to repeat a few times to get it nailed down). We need to look Jesus squarely in the eyes when we call His name.

There is something intimate about using a person’s name. It’s much better than saying, “Hey, you” or “Hey, bud.” So, today when you pray, use the name above all names – Jesus. Look Him in the eyes (spiritually) and talk to Him. He is always listening, but I believe when we call His name, He turns His head towards us and listens intently. He is our Great Intercessor!

Father, You are so good to us and give us that name on which to call. And I thank You that You know my name intimately.

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Bible, Interests, Ministry, Needs, Others, Prayer, Scripture

THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As I am writing this devotion this morning, my across the street neighbor is having some type of medical emergency. I have only talked to him a few times as he just moved in a while ago. However, I know he is a believer. We have talked about that. So, as I watch the EMTs go into his house, I am lifting a prayer for him. Today’s verse really hit home this morning.

Paul continues his thought from the previous few verses in today’s verse. He is saying that it is not just about us. We need to keep the needs of others before our own. I read this description of this thought. “To ‘look upon’ here is something more than ‘to seek.’ It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers) Do you have that “self-forgetting” love for others?

APPLICATION

This interest in others does not give us license to interfere. Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 warn us about that. “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” See also 1 Timothy 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:15. Hmmm, I’ve known a few of those, haven’t you? Don’t be like that.

Instead of meddling in other people’s affairs, show genuine concern and love for them. How is that done? First of all, pray for others. Ask them how you can pray for them and then do it. Pray right there for them. Nothing softens the heart like prayer. And if that prayer needs some “feet” to it, do what you can to meet that need.

Back to my neighbor – the ambulance just drove off. I did not run over while the EMTs were there as that would have been meddling. I will go over later today and find out how I can pray. Perhaps I can go to the hospital and check on him. Putting feet to prayers is a good thing. Whatever you do, be genuine. Show Christ’s love to others in the same way He would have.

Lord, give me Your compassion and love for others and show me how to meet their needs if appropriate.

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Bible, Deliverance, Prayer, Scripture, Trust

THE EFFECT OF PRAYER

PHILIPPIANS 1:19

“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

We have probably all heard testimonies about how someone prayed for something, and God answered their prayer. We have also heard from people who said God never answers their prayers. Which is it? Does God always answer our prayers? Is He really listening? Psalm 5:3 answers that pretty clearly. “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Paul is stating a fact in today’s verse, not just dreaming about what he wishes would happen. He said, “I know.” The Greek verb there, oida, is in the Perfect tense. That is important because it meant this was a past event that has lasting results. Paul knew from his past knowledge of prayer that this would end exactly the way God intended. He believed he would be delivered or rescued from his present circumstances. Why? Because of the Philippians’ prayers for him.

APPLICATION

I could give you dozens of examples of answered prayers in my life. That does not make me more spiritual. It just means I have learned to look for the answer when I pray. Does God always answer my prayers? Yes. Sometimes it is a yes. Other times it is a no, and most of the time He says, “Not now.” But God has always answered my sincere attempts to hear from Him. I am a slow learner, though. He often has to repeat His answer several times for me to hear it.

These prayers that were being offered up were specific prayers. The Greek word there is deésis. This word “is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). Don’t pray flippant and non-specific prayers. Pray exactly. Pray intently. Pray fervently.

Your prayers can change things. Does it change God’s mind? No, it is meant to change our hearts to see things God’s way. Our prayers for others are meant to draw us closer to Him. As we beseech God for someone’s salvation or healing, we are coming before the One who has the power to answer. Pray and trust. Read Psalm 5:3 again. Practice this daily.

O Lord, I know You are listening and are intent on meeting my deepest needs.

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Bible, Grace, Joy, Prayer, Scripture

PRAY WITH JOY

PHILIPPIANS 1:4

“always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,” 

I love to pray for others. I’ve been doing that for a long time. But I must be honest. I don’t always pray with joy. Sometimes I pray for people I am really struggling to get along with. However, God doesn’t let me get away with flippant prayers I make just to say I prayed. So, this verse really hit me hard.

Paul had fond memories of the Philippians. Joy was expressed in his prayers for them. Paul uses the Greek word deesis to describe his prayers. “In the New Testament, deesis is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul uses this word again where it is translated as “request.” “With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,”

These specific requests made by Paul were in joy. That word “joy” is tied directly back to the Greek word for grace. As Paul extended grace to these people he can pray with joy for them. Who in your life can you say that about? How can you extend grace to those for whom you pray?

As you pray today, pray with joy. Let a smile come across your face as you lift each name heavenward. As you smile, I’m sure God is smiling also.

Father, give me joy today as I pray for others.

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Bible, Family, Friends, Prayer, Remembering, Scripture

REMEMBERING YOU

PHILIPPIANS 1:3

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” 

Well, it is true. As you get older, you begin to forget things. For me, it’s where I put my phone or my keys. I can remember things from way back, but short memory gives me fits. They say chemotherapy drugs can cause that. Since I have had that twice with my two stem cell transplants, I am going to use that excuse rather than the getting old one. What do you think?

Paul has strong feelings for these believers in Philippi. Do you remember how that church got started? Paul had been arrested and thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus. God caused quite a disturbance. Acts 16:26 says, “and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” As a result of that, the jailer and all his household were saved. Praise God! That would definitely stir your memory.

APPLICATION

Only Paul uses the Greek word mneia in the New Testament. Each time it is used, it involves Paul recalling a memory about someone or something. In Romans 1:9, he writes, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you.” Paul was praying for all those he had met in his missionary journeys.

Paul tells the Ephesians, Philemon, Timothy and the Thessalonians that he was “making mention” of them in his prayers. Paul cared enough, despite his imprisonment as he writes these letters, to let people know they were still on his mind and in his prayers. Can you imagine how these people felt knowing Paul was praying for them?

Who are you praying for? Who are you remembering in your prayers? I hope you have a prayer list of people you pray for daily, weekly or monthly. Praying for your own needs is important, but I believe praying for others is much more special to the ears of God. Remember and pray!

Father, bring to my remembrance those for whom I should pray for today.

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Bible, Faithfulness, Fighting, Prayer, Scripture, Striving

STRIVING

COLOSSIANS 4:12

“Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”

Often when you hear the word “striving” it has a negative connotation. We are trying hard, perhaps too hard to accomplish something. In the Christian world we might say that person is trying to do it in the flesh rather than the Spirit. But striving is not always bad. Let’s see what the Word has to say about it.

Paul says that Epaphras was “always striving earnestly” for others in his prayers. What a compliment! Wouldn’t it be great to be known for that? Epaphras could be counted on to pray for you if he said he would. So, was his striving a bad thing? No, let’s look at some other ways this word is used in Scripture.

APPLICATION

The word used here is agónizomai which means to struggle or to labor fervently. Jesus Himself used this word. We see that in Luke 13:22-24. “22 And He was passing through one city and village after another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to Him, ‘Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?’ And He said to them, 24 ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.’” We should strive to enter that narrow door.

In one of the best passages from Paul, we find the word used again in 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” Agónizomai is translated as “have fought.” Do you see the picture Scripture is trying to paint of this word. Striving is real. We all have our struggles. But it’s important to make sure that we are striving in the Spirit and not our flesh.

We get our word “agonize” from agónizomai. Have you ever agonized over something? Have you, like Epaphraas, ever agonized in prayer? There have been times in my life I did. God hears us. He knows the pain we are going through. Let me encourage you to strive a little more earnestly in your prayer life. I promise it will draw you closer to Him.

I cry out to You, O Lord. I know You hear and will answer according to Your perfect will.

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Bible, Body, Church, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COLOSSIANS 4:3

“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”

Praying for others is such a privilege. I have been praying for some of my friends and some missionaries I know for over twenty years. As part of my role with Every Man A Warrior, I lead the Prayer Ministry. I ask quite often for prayer requests from our leaders so I can share those with some of our Intercessors. It truly is a privilege to pray for others.

Paul is asking the Colossian believers to pray for him. He asks specifically that they pray for an open door to “proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Don’t miss the point that he is asking this even though he is in prison for doing exactly that. Paul was not afraid. He wanted more and more opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians a similar request. “19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul was asking everyone to pray for him.

2 Corinthians 1:11 gives us another glimpse into Paul asking for prayers from others. “if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.” Even the writer of Hebrews asks for prayers in Hebrews 13:18-19. “18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you more quickly.”

So, what’s my point? Pray for others and let others know your requests. The Body of Christ needs prayer. We need to be praying for others. We need to lift each other before the throne of God daily. Don’t be bashful to ask for prayer. God may just use your request for prayer to spur someone to drop to their knees, thus drawing them closer to Him.

O Lord, I lift up all my family and friends today and ask You to work in their lives according to Your perfect Will.

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