you also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. [2 corinthians 1:11]
“you also must” these three words are so impactful and intentional. first, paul is showing his desire for reconciliation with the corinthians. who asks the person they are mad at for prayer? in this small request he shows how he desires to be in unity with his brothers and sisters with whom he is at odds. second is the word must. now to look at the greek or even the KJV of this it would seem later additions have added this word into the mix, but it comes from the translation of the word συνπουγέω. this word roughly translates directly to with, under, by, that which one undertakes to do. which doesn’t make much sense, but looking to greek scholars today they translate it to a call to co-operate in helping. this role belongs to his brothers and sisters at corinth, no one else can pray from him in the way that they do. therefore they must take up the call to pray for paul and timothy and pray for their deliverance so that many will be granted blessing.
how do you pray? do you pray as your life depends on God? do you pray like the lives of those you love depend on God? do you pray like the life of your least favorite person depends on God?
we are called to a life of prayer, we are all equipped in Christ to be prayer warriors. please brothers and sisters pray. pray from your lot family, pray for your lot family leaders, pray for the matthias staff members, pray for your brothers and sisters.
i appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, [romans 15:30]
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [ephesians 6:19]
at the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison [colossians 4:3]
for i know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, [philippians 1:19]
these are just for examples of where paul asks fellow believers to pray for him. how many letters have you written asking for prayer? i’m stubborn. i’m an independent person. asking for prayer is asking for help. pauls humility and understanding of how it is only through God that he can is inspiring. ask someone to pray for you today.
~ holly russell