Monday 6th November
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. (Romans 1:8-10)
It is interesting how often Paul gives thanks for the faith of those who follow Jesus. I find it a challenge as so often my prayer is not giving thanks but making requests for God’s people. The second part affirms this is not a one-off prayer and I ask myself how consistent am I in my prayer for those that are part of the family of Jesus of which I am a part? The last sentence reinforces Paul’s desire to join with the believers at Rome as it is a prayer for God’s provision but recognises that sometimes what Paul wants is not what God has planned. Do my prayers recognise this truth?
Geoff Hinch
