This post is Day 20 in a series of studies about “Philemon”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Philemon – Day 20

I feel that the Lord wants us to note this confidence that God will answer prayer. Paul is sure he will be out of prison very soon. Paul never tells his readers that life will be easy. But he insists that through every trial, if we pray God will respond.

Philemon 22

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

The Thought

This is yesterday’s verse repeated, because I feel that the Lord wants us to note Paul’s confidence that God will answer prayer. He is sure he will be out of prison very soon and on his way north to visit old friends. But the thing to note is that Paul doesn’t say he is confident that God will answer his own prayers! I am sure he was, but by saying “your prayers” he is passing some of the responsibility to his readers.

There are other verses which tell us something similar. Paul was constantly encouraging others to pray. At the beginning of his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul wrote: He (God) has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again,… as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Paul never tells his readers that life will be easy. But he insists that through every trial, if we pray God will respond. Paul says a similar thing in his letter to the Philippians. For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance (Philippians 1:19).

Action

Pray with confidence today for whatever and whoever you have on your mind. Remember what the angel said to Cornelius who was searching for truth. Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God (Acts 10:4).

Who are the people you ask to pray when you have a problem? Bless them today by praying for them, and thank the Lord for those He has put you close to.

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