2 CORINTHIANS 1
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 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 1:8-11
2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As Christians, we are to pray for one another
We are connecting with others when we do this
We are manifesting our love when we intercede for others
It pleases God that we take care of our sisters and brothers
As we pray for others, we are giving hope to those afflicted
We will also be comforted by our Lord when we plead for them.
In this letter, Paul explains to the church the importance of intercessory prayers. He openly shared his challenges in Asia as they work for the Lord in that place. He described it in verse 8 that they were at a point of desperation. In verse 9 he depicted it as a sentence of death.
According to the introduction of this book in the English Standard Version, Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia around A.D. 55/56 which was approximately a year after he wrote 1 Corinthians and a year before he wrote his letter to the Romans. The central theme of this letter is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul’s apostolic life, ministry and message. The source further says that Paul’s opponents had questioned his motives and his personal courage. They argued that he had suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. But Paul argues that his suffering is the means that God uses to reveal his glory. Isn’t that true of us too, when we face so much suffering too? We can be more dependent and prayerful when we face many trials in life and this dependence brings God more glory and praise
REFLECTION
- Share some insights on the power of intercessory prayers you’ve experienced.
