"in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you."
How often do you pray for the things you desire God to do? What things do you pray for? In this verse we get a glimpse into Paul’s prayer life. Paul desires to visit the believers in Rome. This powerful letter from Paul is written to people he has yet to even meet! He wants to visit them so much that the petition makes it to all of Paul’s prayers.
Two things are most interesting about Paul’s approach. First he is willing to pray with persistence. Paul is praying “at all times” that “now at last” God will have him visit the believers in Rome. Why does he keep praying for something that does not yet seem to be in God’s will? Is he hoping to wear God down in his constant appeals? God does answer those who call on Him day and night (Luke 18:7-8, Nehemiah 1:5-7). I believe that Paul persistence is more about being available for God to send than to wear Him down. Paul’s motivation for visiting the believer in Rome is becomes clearer in later verses (stay tuned!).
Second point of interest in Paul’s approach is that he is completely submissive to God’s will. As much as he wishing to visit, Paul is not interested in being outside of God’s will. So instead of trying to make his own way he prays that God’s will might “open up” for him to go to them. This attitude in prayer should be our goal. Paul is not trying to manipulate or negotiate with God as we might try to get results from each other. Paul is humble and though he prays with persistence the prayer is totally dependent upon God to direct him.
Tye Parks 