I bow my knees unto the Father…that He would grant you…to be strengthened with might through His Spirit.
—Ephesians 3:14, 16
We think of Paul as the great missionary, preacher, writer, and apostle “in labours more abundant” (2 Corinthians 11:23). We do not think of him as the intercessor that sought and obtained, by his supplication, the power that rested on the churches that he served.
Look beyond what he wrote to the Ephesians. Think of what he said to the Thessalonians: “Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith…to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 3:10, 13). To the Romans he said, “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Romans 1:9). To the Philippians he wrote, “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy” (Philippians 1:4). And to the Colossians it was, “[We] do not cease to pray for you…for I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you” (Colossians 1:9; 2:1).
Day and night he cried to God in his intercession for them, that the light and the power of the Holy Spirit might be in them. As earnestly as he believed in the power of his intercession for them, so did he also believe in the blessings that their prayers would bring upon him: “I beseech you…that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30); “[God] will yet deliver us; ye also helping together by prayer for us” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11); “Praying…[also] for me…that I may open my mouth boldly” (Ephesians 6:18–19); “this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer” (Philippians 1:19).
The whole relationship between pastor and people depends on their united, continual prayerfulness. Their whole relationship to each other is a heavenly one and can only be maintained by unceasing prayer. When believers wake up to see that the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit are waiting for their unceasing prayer, the church will begin to know what Pentecostal apostolic Christianity is.
Ever blessed Father, we humbly pray that You will restore again graciously to Your church the spirit of supplication and intercession, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.