Paul Requests Prayer For The Ministry

Romans 15:30–33
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Too often we view prayer as a time for comfort, reflection, or making our requests known to God. But in verse 30 Paul urges believers to join in his struggles by means of prayer. Prayer is also a weapon in all believers’ armor as we intercede for others who join in the fight against Satan.

Before closing his letter Paul wanted to challenge the believers in Rome how they could become partners with him in the great task of evangelizing the world. He appeals to the Roman Christians to support him in prayer as he faces dangers before he comes to them. His requests are as follows:

1. “That ye strive together with me in your prayers” (v. 30).
2. “That I may be delivered from them who do not believe” (v. 31).
3. “That my service for Jerusalem may be accepted” (v. 31).
4. “That I may come to you with joy” (v. 32).
5. “That I may with you be refreshed” (v. 32).

We can see from these requests that Paul was deeply concerned that the offering he had taken among the Gentiles would be received by the Jewish Christians in the right spirit and distributed properly. There were many who marked him as a traitor to the Jewish cause because he had taken the Gospel to the Gentiles. Perhaps he was afraid they might not accept the offering because it was given by the Gentiles. Unfortunately, there were still Jews who opposed the taking of the message of grace to the Gentiles, and who wanted the Gentiles to become Jews.

If everything went smoothly, then Paul said he could go to them “with joy” and “be refreshed” (v. 32). Much more can be accomplished for Christ in our ministry if these two ingredients (prayer and support) are present.

Application

How well informed am I about world needs and world missions? What are some things I could do to increase my interest and knowledge of these? Perhaps I or my family could adopt at least one missionary on each continent that I could pray for and support. By communicating with them I’m sure I will have more interest and knowledge about missions around the world.