Ephesians 6:19-24

New American Standard Version

19 Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible.

Pastor’s Paraphrase

          I also ask that you would pray for me so that when I am called on to speak on behalf of our blessed Lord, I will know exactly what He would have me to say and that I can clearly make known the greatest secret of the ages – God’s marvelous plan of redemption through Christ. It is because I am proclaiming this message that I have been imprisoned here. Pray that nothing would inhibit my courage to make this message known as I should.

          Tychicus is one of my dearest friends and brothers in the Lord and he has served the Lord faithfully by my side. I am sending him to you and he will be able to fill you in completely on what has happened to me and what God is doing through me in these days. My reason for sending him to you is to give you this report so that you might be fully informed and that it would bring encouragement to your hearts.

           I pray the peace of the Lord upon you, my dear brothers, and send to you the love of Christ that comes from our faith in Him. I ask God’s grace to be given in abundance to everyone who shares with us a love for Christ that will never die in our hearts. 

 “How does this help me become more like Him?”

          One of the greatest things that you can do for your church is to pray for its pastors and their families.  I believe that their spiritual power and effectiveness in ministry is in direct proportion to the prayers of God’s people for them.  I cannot tell you how many times I have stood in the pulpit to teach God’s Word and felt the hand of the Holy Spirit upon me and I know each time it is because the people of God have prayed for those moments when I would stand before them to bring them God’s truth.  So, I do not apologize for asking you to pray constantly for all of your pastoral staff, their spouses, and their children.  Pray for their walk with the Lord, for unity and harmony in their families, for their physical health, and for spiritual wisdom and power to fulfill their callings for Christ.

          As a pastor, I am aware of so many people who love us deeply and pray for us constantly.  There are no words to express how much that means to me and my family.  Every one of our pastors feels the same way.  Just like the Apostle Paul, we treasure and covet the prayers of every one of the family of faith.  Only Heaven will reveal the difference your prayers will have made in every one of our lives, ministries, and families.  God bless you for your faithful intercession for those who are called to serve the Lord alongside of you.

“How should I pray for Him to change my life?”

Pray that the Lord would give you a constant burden to pray for pastors, missionaries, and others that serve Him on a full-time basis.  Ask Him to reveal to you those who have a special need for intense intercessory prayer at any given time.  When you feel the leadership of the Holy Spirit to pray for one of God’s servants, take His call seriously and lift them up faithfully to Him.

 END