Wonder what to say in a prayer for someone else? Wonder if you should even tell them you’re praying for them? Here are seven examples of prayers that the apostle Paul sent in his letters. Most of them are to groups of people, small Christian congregations scattered throughout the Roman Empire, but the last is to one person, Philemon.
What I love about all of Paul’s prayers is his affection for those he is writing to. His words are full of love and that seems a good model for any prayer.
I don’t stop giving thanks to God for you when I remember you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:16)
I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. (Philippians 1:4)
This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. (Philippians 1:9)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
We pray for you that you don’t do anything wrong … (2Corinthians 13:7)
Night and day, we pray more than ever to see all of you in person and to complete whatever you still need for your faith. (1Thessalonians 3:10)
Philemon, I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers because I’ve heard of your love and faithfulness … (Philemon 1:4)
