INTRODUCTION

The apostle Paul knew the importance of having believers pray for him. Among the things for which he requested prayers, Paul specifically asked for prayer that he might maintain a good conscience, living honestly in all things. He did not trust the condition of his conscience to his own efforts but depended upon the Lord’s willingness to hear and answer the prayers of the saints. Unfortunately, far too many Christians have become entirely self-reliant and self-trusting. As such, fewer believers request or take part in prayer for another man’s conscience. Instead, prayer has generally been reduced to one’s needs whether they are physical, material, or financial. Scriptural Christianity places a greater concern for the conscience.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Paul not only asked for prayer to keep a good conscience, he prayed for others to do the same (Philippians 1:9-11 [9] They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand. [10] And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. [11] Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
  See All...; Colossians 1:9-11 [9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
  See All...). Epaphras did likewise (Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
  See All...). We should follow their example.
• (For everyone): When is the last time you prayed for someone else’s conscience? When did you last ask someone else to pray for you and the protection of your conscience?
• What is the difference between scriptural prayer and the modern prayer exhibited by the average Christian? How does your prayer life match up?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to teach you how to pray.
• Ask the Lord to protect the conscience of those you love.

HYMN

APPROACH, MY SOUL, THE MERCY SEAT

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