ROMANS 15
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.30 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, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.– Romans 15:22-33
ROMANS 15 PLEA FOR PRAYERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
By prayers and supplications, God hears us
Let us therefore not fail to do so
Pray especially for the ministers of God
So that they can be led to spread God’s word.
Paul writes to the church in Rome telling them his need for their prayers so that his trip to Spain via Rome would lead him to unbelievers in Judea. He also mentions the importance of prayer in his letter to the Ephesians. He says that all believers need to pray at all times without ceasing. It is very humble of him to ask prayers from the saints in Rome.
How many Christians actually pray without ceasing? If we are only honest, many would admit that we don’t pray much at all. Prayers make us acknowledge our God-dependence.
REFLECTION
- What does prayer do to our lives as Christians?
