As you read the New Testament, you get the sense that Paul prayed with and for people a lot. His letters are filled with comments like, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Cor. 1:4) and “it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and discernment” (Phil. 1:9). Jesus spent time teaching, talking, and eating with His disciples. He also prayed with and for them on many occasions, including His deeply personal prayer at the Last Supper. This pattern of intimate, personal prayer continued into the early church as His disciples practiced what they had been taught. It was a hallmark of Christianity from the time of its foundation and should be for us as well. Continue Reading →