I thought it would be interesting to look at how Paul prayed. For what did he pray? He prayed a lot for his new believers.

Faith and Growth

He often thanked God for all the people in his ministry. He said that as often as he remembers them, he prayed for them. He thanked God for their faith. He demonstrated that we should thank God for those who have accepted the gospel, have faith and continue to grow in it (Romans 1:8-10; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:3-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Unity

He prayed that the people would have unity as they follow Christ. He prayed that they would glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one heart and one mouth. (Romans 15:5-6).

Joy, Grace and Peace

He prayed for them to be joyful in hope. He prayed that God would fill them with all joy and peace. He prayed for the grace of Lord Jesus to be with them (Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 16:23; Galatians 6:18).

Comfort and Compassion

He prayed for comfort and compassion from God for them so that they would be able to comfort others in trouble and in need of comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Wisdom and Revelation

He prayed for wisdom and revelation for the people so that they would know God better. He prayed that they would know the hope to which he has called us and to know the riches of his inheritance. He prayed that they would be able to grasp how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ. He prayed that their love would abound more and more in knowledge. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1-9-11).

Prayer for Success in God’s work

He asked for prayer for himself. He asked not for personal gain but that they pray that he would do the ministry’s work successfully. (Romans 15:30-33; Ephesians 6:19-20).

Looking at Paul’s prayer for all the people in his ministry may give us some insights into what we are to be praying for the people around us. Prayer should come from the heart. It should be something that we feel passionately about, and this can help influence us in where our hearts should be and what we should pray. Paul’s heart was for the new believers and their growth in Christ.