PHILEMON 22-25 - ANTICIPATING ANSWERED PRAYER

Anticipating answered prayer,

Paul told Philemon to prepare

a place for him to stay when he

eventually would be set free.

Paul prayed the grace of Jesus Christ

would take control of his friend’s life,

that the Lord’s influence be reflected

when Philemon’s life was inspected.

“And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me,

because I hope to be restored to you 

in answer to your prayers.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 

sends you greetings.

And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, 

my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Philemon 22-25 (NIV)

prŏsĕuchē⁴³³⁵ – prayer (worship); by impl. an oratory (chapel): - pray earnestly, prayer.

charis⁵⁴⁸⁵ – graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.: lit., fig. or spiritual: espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

            As previously noted, Paul was a firm believer in prayer. He trusted the Lord would answer Philemon’s earnest prayer for his release and allow him to visit his friend again. By faith he told Philemon to prepare his guest room for him. As I heard an old preacher say, “If you’re sincere about praying for rain, have your umbrella handy!” Paul was confident that he would again see Philemon.

            Paul also spoke a blessing over Philemon which is really another form of prayer. He asked that the grace of the Lord would be with his spirit. This was especially appropriate since Paul was expecting the divine influence in Philemon’s life to enable him to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ. Our forgiveness comes through the grace of God, so also does our ability to forgive each other.

            Grace enables believers not only to face persecution, but to pray for those who persecute them. A heart changed by God can face problems large or small with confidence in his sovereignty and care. Paul often blessed his readers with a greeting of grace. This has fallen out of practice among modern believers. Perhaps we need to revive the practice of saying, “Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ.”

            Father, act upon my heart to help me be gracious toward others. Allow your divine influence to be reflected in my life that others might see Jesus in me and desire to know him personally. Make me bold to share your love.