“Striving in Prayer”

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,” (Romans 15:30)

Paul's letter to the church at Rome is not written because the church is lacking in knowledge and power. The very last chapter lists several capable men and women who composed the church there. It was written because Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, needs to address specific challenges that existed between Gentile and Jewish Christians.

In this context he speaks of his desire to come to Rome. However, he must first deliver relief from the Gentile churches to the needy, Jewish saints in Jerusalem. He is hoping such a gift will promote goodwill between Jewish and Gentile brethren. Paul was aware of the bitter rivalry between Jews and Gentiles. Even though he is bringing relief to these needy Jews, he is concerned about their reception.

Paul’s solution is a prayer request of the saints at Rome. He asks them to pray, 1) that he would be delivered from the Jews in Judea, 2) that this gift from the Gentile brethren would be accepted by the saints in Jerusalem, and 3) that he would be able to come to Rome.

Paul implores these brethren to “strive together with me in your prayers”. What would prompt him to use the word “strive”?  Could it be the difficulty of the situation has prompted intense and anxious care on the part of Paul?

The word “strive” means to fight in company with, or to wrestle together. (Complete Word Study Bible) In another passage (Colossians 4:12) Epaphras  is commended for “laboring fervently in prayer”. This reference also carries the idea of wrestling or taking great pains in prayer.

Do these words suggest that we may be far too casual in prayer? Do we really believe God listens when we pray? Do we care enough about the welfare of brethren in difficult situations such as missionaries in China to pray fervently for their welfare and the success of the gospel?  How concerned are we about the spiritual steadfastness of brethren? Do we really understand the urgency of the matter?

Perhaps it is time for us to get real with God in our prayer life, and in eternal matters,  for James says: “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. (James 5:16)

By George Slover
 

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