Keep us faithful to pray for each other.

Keep us faithful to pray for each other. (Ephesians 6:18)

Why should we this verse for one another? Because even though we know it’s important to pray for each other if we’re honest, most of us will admit that we have little time or energy for prayer. The time that we do have is likely to be first of all focused on the needs and circumstances of our families and those who are personally close to us, and rightfully so.

But just as Paul so frequently asked for prayer for his ministry and service from those who served with him, we need one another’s prayers too. He exhorted them—and he exhorts us—to “pray always for all of the saints” (Ephesians 6:18), and he lived that way. He prayed for his fellow workers:
…constantly (2 Thessalonians 1:11),
…thoughtfully, specifically (1 Corinthians 14:15),
…earnestly day and night (1 Thessalonians 3:10),
…with joy (Philippians 1:3-5),
…with thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3).

Paul knew that people who were serving with him were in need of much prayer, as he was. They were all spending themselves for God’s kingdom, busily leading people to Christ, planting churches, discipling believers. Paul and his fellow workers needed constant, thoughtful, earnest on-going prayer for one another.

Do we need it any less?