Paul's Models for Prayer in the Grace Age
Key Scripture "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27 KJV)
Introduction Paul's prayers, recorded in his epistles, provide our pattern for prayer in this dispensation of grace. These differ from kingdom prayers by focusing on spiritual growth rather than physical promises.
The Spirit's Role in Paul's Prayer Models
Helps our weakness: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
Provides wisdom: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God" (1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV)
Teaches spiritual truth: "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV)
Transforms our minds: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2 KJV)
1. Model Prayer for Spiritual Understanding A. Ephesians 1:17-19
Key Requests
Wisdom and revelation: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power" (Ephesians 1:17-19 KJV)
B. Focus Areas
Spiritual Growth
Based on resurrection power: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:20 KJV)
Supreme position: "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21 KJV)
Our position in Christ: "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 KJV)
2. Model Prayer for Inner Strength A. Ephesians 3:14-19
Foundation
Direct to Father: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15 KJV)
Based on grace riches: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16 KJV)
Specific Requests
Inner strengthening: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16 KJV)
The Holy Spirit is the actual indweller: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)
Christ is in us positionally through the Spirit: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9 KJV)
The Spirit represents Christ in us: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you" (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV)
Full comprehension: "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:18-19 KJV)
3. Model Prayer for Love and Discernment A. Philippians 1:9-11
Growth in Love
Abounding love: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10 KJV)
Spiritual Results
Pure character and fruit: "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:11 KJV)
4. Model Prayer for Knowledge of God's Will A. Colossians 1:9-11
Primary Request
Full knowledge: "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9-10 KJV)
Divine strength: "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11 KJV)
5. Contrast with Kingdom Prayer A. Different Focus
Grace Prayer
Spiritual emphasis through indwelling Spirit: "The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
Inner growth and mind renewal: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2 KJV)
Heavenly focus: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2 KJV)
According to God's will: "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27 KJV)
Kingdom Prayer
Physical blessings promised: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up" (James 5:14-15 KJV)
External manifestations: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14 KJV)
Earthly kingdom focus: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10 KJV)
6. Practical Application A. Following Paul's Pattern
Prayer Guidelines
Focus on spiritual growth and understanding
Trust the Spirit's guidance: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26 KJV)
Seek inner transformation
Build spiritual discernment
Prayer Topics Based on Paul's Models
Spiritual wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Him
Inner strengthening through the Spirit
Growth in love and knowledge
Understanding of God's will
Peace in all circumstances
Conclusion Paul's Prayer Models Show:
Focus on spiritual growth
Inner transformation through the Spirit
Grace-based requests
Heavenly mindset
God's peace through understanding
Remember
Follow Paul's pattern of spiritual focus
Trust the Spirit's guidance in prayer
Expect inner transformation
Rest in God's peace through understanding
Look for spiritual, not physical, results
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