Pray and Work

I’m not sure if this ever happens to you, but sometimes in the middle of prayer, I feel like I run out of things to say. Paul takes a deliberate approach in his prayer requests: Pray for the word of God to spread and be honored; for deliverance from the wicked; and Paul breaks into a sort of “real-time” prayer that, “the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” Imagine breaking into a benediction like this in everyday speech. Might be weird, but maybe it shouldn't be. Paul does call us to “speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).

I want to be deliberate in my prayer life to ensure I’m praying about the challenges I (and my brothers and sisters) face and so that I can see the effects of my prayers, and as a result have my faith strengthened. Who isn’t encouraged by news of answered prayer? The only way I can pray about my brothers’ and sisters’ challenges is if I am asking about them, “How can I pray for you?” Likewise, in imitation of Paul, we should be soliciting the prayers of our brothers and sisters – “Please pray for me!” While Paul made his absolute dependence on God quite clear, he simultaneously worked the hardest. He calls us to imitate his example of faithfulness and hard work. Are you confident enough in your own work ethic to call others to imitate you? Paul refused to claim his right to help from the church but worked to meet his own needs so as not to burden anyone. He's a tough act to follow!

Paul’s warning against idleness is one that we must take seriously. When an able-bodied person is not willing to work for their own living, it affects the whole community and is even serious enough that Paul instructs believers to withdraw fellowship. The intent, of course, is to lead this person to repentance. Few, if any, of us would probably qualify as idle in the sense Paul warns against here, but the lesson is valuable. Are we being lazy or selfish with our time? Are our responsibilities taken care of? Do we have resources to share? Or must others in our home, families, or ministries pick up the slack? Leisure time is something God knows we need – He is the one who built parties and regular rest days into His covenant. Like Paul, let’s be deliberate about our prayers and work life. We don't want to dwell in the false peace of idleness, but in the true peace that comes from the Lord.