Paul longs to see his brothers and sisters in Rome again. He desires to encourage them and be encouraged by them. He knows that God grants sustaining grace and peace through the Word, prayer, and the fellowship of the saints. So while they are praying for them, he is praying for them as well.

Paul, in the final chapters of his magnum opus on theology to the Romans, gets a bit personal. He reminisces regarding his past ministry; he outlines his travel plans; he encourages his readers to support him monetarily; and then he asked his readers to join him in prayer:

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.     (Romans 15:30-33)

Within this prayer there are three short petitions.

First, Paul requests prayer for safety. He is certain to face obstacles and dangers, and he urges his friends to pray for his deliverance.

Second, Paul prays for success. On this business trip, his interest is to make Christ further known amongst those in Jerusalem. Paul longs to see fruit result from his labors.

Third, Paul prays for spiritual refreshment. He longs to see his brothers and sisters in Rome again. He desires to encourage them and be encouraged by them. He knows that God grants sustaining grace and peace through the Word, prayer, and the fellowship of the saints. So while they are praying for them, he is praying for them as well.

Therefore, why not start your day by asking the Lord to grant you safety, success, and spiritual refreshment.

But then, why don’t you send a copy of this blog to a minister, missionary, family member, or brother and sister in the church, and let them know that you have prayed, and are praying, for them to find safety, success, and spiritual refreshment from Christ as they serve him today.

Joseph A. Franks IV is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and is Pastor of Palmetto Hills Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. This article first appeared on his blog, and is used with permission.