How Apostle Paul’s Memory Inspires Our Prayer Life

The Apostle Paul, the great letter writer of the New Testament, is our greatest model in how God uses our memories to spur us toward both prayer and action. I have had many discussions with family and friends over the years about prayer methods and resources, and I am growing to like and utilize more and more this concept: When you remember someone, pray for them!

Wow, that’s pretty straightforward, and today we can see how it’s also biblical.

Memory-spurred prayers.

With decades of travel to multiple continents and cities, I cannot imagine how Paul could keep up in his prayers for those he met, led to the Lord, discipled, and trained. Long before pop-up reminders on phones, not to mention the widely available abundance of paper, Paul must have struggled at times to remember names and faces. Still, as he wrote his letters to churches and individuals, he showed them how he did remember them. Not only did he remember them, but he prayed for them.

To the church in Philippi, he wrote this:

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5 CSB)

Every time he remembered them, his first response was to thank the Lord for them and then pray for them with a joyful heart.

Paul had spent a long time in Ephesus, but he knew the Christians there were under a lot of pressure from the pagan environment in which they lived. When they came to mind, Paul had a specific prayer that is worthy of note for us as well.

I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. (Ephesians 1:16-19)

Who comes to your mind today? How are you praying for them? Are we asking God to enlighten the eyes of their hearts so they can know the hope found in Christ?

Paul not only remembered groups of believers, but individuals as well. Timothy was a young co-worker in the faith, and Paul relied on him for the ministry. In his second letter to Timothy, he tells him that he is constantly remembered in prayer.

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)

There are some people we know who are either serving the Lord or in a difficult season of life. We can’t help but keep them in mind, remembering them on a regular basis in prayer. Their faith is inspirational, and we want to thank God for them and support them before the throne of grace.

Remembering our spiritual leaders.

Paul not only remembered and prayed for others, but he also wrote of the encouragement he received because of those who had been praying and remembering him.

The message Paul received from Timothy encouraged him, because he saw that the church had remembered their work among them, and they had good memories of their time together and longed to see them again.

The relationship between believers and their spiritual leaders is unique, intimate, and foundational to the building of the church. Not only do leaders pray for those under their stewardship, but believers are encouraged to remember those who serve them.

Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

We should pray for our leaders, support their work, watch how they live, and imitate their faith. We must not forget those whom God has called to carry these weighty positions for the growth of the Body.

Who does God bring to your mind today? Are you praying for them? Are you thanking God for their lives and work? Is he asking you to support them in a special way? Don’t neglect the people who come to your mind, but remember and act for their good.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start from the Beginning.