24 Aug September 29 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

PRAYER PARTNERS

2 Corinthians 1:10-11 “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

Twice in today’s devotional verses St. Paul refers to the help the Corinthians gave him in his ministry (in this case “deadly peril”) with their prayers.  He was aware they were praying for him and his ministry.  He believed that God not only listened to his own prayers but also to the prayers of Christians who were lifting up Paul’s needs to God in their prayers.

Before the day of gas-powered chain saws, loggers had to use what was known as a cross-cut saw.  There was a one-man and a two-man cross cut saw.  I guess it is self-explanatory, but the one major difference in the two saws was the number of men using them.  A one-man cross-cut saw works well on small and perhaps even medium sized logs.  When dealing with huge trees in the forest or even in your front yard, a one-man saw would not be long enough to make a cut across the whole trunk of the tree.

In the same way, a prayer partner is much like putting an extra person on the saw.  The one in charge or responsible, when having a prayer partner knows they are not solely responsible to prepare a sermon, Bible study, deal with a difficult counseling situation, or minister to someone who is gravely ill.  The prayer partner’s prayers to God remind the pastor/prayer partner that he is not alone in what he is doing. It helps him to remember and know that God is engaged with him in his ministry/personal life and responding to the prayers of all the saints.

Note again how St. Paul attributes great appreciation to his prayer partners knowing that because of their prayers heard by God he would be delivered, “On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

James 5:16 encourages you to “pray for one another.”  Galatians 6:2 says to “carry one another’s burdens” and verse 18 “pray for all the Lord’s people.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1 encourages you to pray that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.”  St. Paul broadens the scope of your prayers, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)

Prayer:  Help me Lord to be more intentional in reaching out to my fellow Christians to become prayer partners with them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds Is Like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear,

And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, We suffer bitter pain;

Yet, one in Christ and one in heart, We hope to meet again.

From sorrow, toil, and pain, And sin we shall be free

And perfect love and friendship reign Through all eternity.

(LSB 649)