Daily Devotion 30 October 2025

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

READING: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-11

The apostle Paul lived an inspired and inspiring life, spreading the gospel around the known world, and encouraging the newly established churches. But he also faced severe opposition and persecution, and in this letter to the Corinthians he states,” We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (v8).

But he acknowledged his dependence on their prayers. “On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)

In Proverbs 15:8 we read “… the prayer of the upright pleases Him.”  And Jesus’ ministry was born in prayer. In Luke 3:21-22 we read that while He was praying, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and a voice was heard to say, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.”

Jesus faced temptation with prayer, in the 40 days in the desert (Luke 4:1-2). He prayed before important decisions (for example, when choosing the twelve apostles in Luke 6:12-13); He prayed in the midst of preaching and healing, when He would slip away to pray (Luke 5:15-16). Jesus taught us to pray for perseverance, (Luke 18:1- telling a parable to show that at all times we ought to pray and not to lose heart). On the Cross He took Hhis last breath in prayer (Luke 23:46), and He prays for us today – “He who is at the right hand of God, intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:34). 

 And Jesus expects us to live lives of prayer, as He did. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commanded, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".  In James 5:16, we hear, "Therefore, … pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working".  

Paul instructs believers to pray "with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”, meaning all of God's people (Ephesians 6:18), while in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul calls for prayers "for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".

God promises to hear our prayers. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). Our work is to pray unceasingly for others, and in doing so, we hand them over to God, knowing that He will answer in His way, in His time.

Prayer

God Almighty, our Father, we thank You that You trust us to pray for others. May we be worthy of Your trust, and never cease to pray for those depending on us, knowing that You hear every prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.