Paul Miller’s book, A Praying Life, is one of my favorite books on prayer. Miller’s summary of Paul’s words about praying for other believers regularly challenges me to pray for my church. Perhaps they will move you in that direction toward your church today, too:
“Unceasing prayer” is Paul’s most frequent description of how he prayed and of how he wanted the church to pray. This was a real experience for Paul and not a formula. In the twelve times he mentions continuous praying, he seldom says it the same way twice (emphasis added).
- Without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers. (Romans 1:9-10)
- I give thanks to my God always for you. (1 Corinthians 1:4)
- I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:16)
- Praying at all times in the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:18)
- We have not ceased to pray for you. (Colossians 1:9)
- Continue steadfastly in prayer. (Colossians 4:2)
- Always struggling on your behalf in his prayers. (Colossians 4:12)
- Constantly mentioning you in our prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
- We also thank God constantly for this. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
- As we pray most earnestly night and day. (1 Thessalonians 3:10)
- We always pray for you. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
- I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. (2 Timothy 1:3)
When Paul tells the young churches to pray, he encourages them in this same pattern of “constant in prayer” (emphasis added):
- Be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
- Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World (p. 55). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.