Prayer For Our Brethren
Introduction
Do you pray for the brethren? Do you actually call up names to God asking for God's blessings, God's healing, and God's hand to be upon them? Do you know that your prayer for someone else could lead to your physical or spiritual prosperity or both? As you ask God to anoint them, to teach them, to inspire them, to bless them with power from on high, as they prosper you get blessed over and over again. Their success inevitably brings you great joy. Notice how John prays for Gaius.
I. John's Prayer Life, Vs. 2
A. List of the People, Vs. 2
Consider the word Beloved in vs. 2. You may be thinking there's no prayer list here however the word beloved is a unique word as used here - it means not only a person but a group of people - the beloved. Those of the household of God - those involved in the ministry. I have a hunch that Gaius wasn't the only saint John prayed for. I think we can safely assume Gaius was one of many names on his prayer list.
Not only do we see a list of the people, but also:
B. A List Of The Priorities, Vs. 2
"I wish above all..." vs. 2. How serious did John take his prayer list? The word wish is actually translated prayer or prayer to God. Being in the active indicative in the Greek it means that even as John is writing he is actually praying for Gaius. It was a priority of John's to pray for those on his prayer list. Just as it was a priority with John, prayer must be a priority in the life of any person who claims to be walking with God! Prayer is not only to be offered for the sinner, but for the saint as well!
Not only do we see John's prayer list but also:
II. John's Prayer Language, Vs. 2
A. A Prayer For Physical Health, Vs. 2
"that thou mayest prosper and be in health..." vs. 2. The word prosper refers to Gaius' physical existence. A minister - whether paid or volunteer - who is doing his job is involved in a lot of travel - John's prayer language consists of praying that those who minister will have a safe journey. Part of John's prayer language was also to include the minister's physical body ...and be in health...
It's imperative that those who minister to the flock not carry - or receive any sickness. A healthy person doesn't leave any unwanted or unneeded germs behind. John's prayer language sounded something like this; Dear God, please keep Gaius free of sickness and injury as he does his ministry. May Thy will allow both Gaius and those he visits and ministers to to be blessed.
Not only do we see that John's prayer language included words for his physical health but also:
B. A Prayer For Spiritual Health, Vs. 2
"as thy soul prospereth." vs. 2. John knew something many of us are yet to learn - as you minister to others your spiritual health is improved. As a matter of fact, this phrase implies that a sick spirit can recover simply by getting involved in the work of the church. Choir, Sunday School, productions, Women's groups, Bible Studies, Senior Adult groups - all committees, projects, trips, and visitation. These are all healing balms to the soul. Maybe this is just what we need!