30 Days - Day 28

Day 28

Acts 20:36-38; 21:5

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.


Much time has passed now since Paul set out into the area of Macedonia. In fact, he has been through many of these areas twice and has spent a good bit of time in Corinth and Ephesus. Paul has now set his face toward Jerusalem and he is convinced that whatever happens that his work among the believers of this region is over. In a manner of speaking this is his farewell tour as he passes through this area. He is like a parent giving last minute instructions, encouragement and reminders to a child that is striking off on its own. He will not “be there” for them as he has able to be these past years and he is concerned that they live worthy of their calling. There is also a great love shared by these people for Paul and wherever he goes they are most distressed that this side of heaven they will not see him again.

He meets with groups of believers as he travels along the way to Jerusalem and spends time with them not only in instruction and reminder, but also in prayer. They kneel down together at the place of departure and pray together for each other. As we look at the context of these special prayer meetings we get perhaps a hint into what they prayed.

As Paul prayed for these dear sons and daughters in Christ we see a great and fervent desire for them to be faithful. He wants them to understand what types of struggles are coming, what kinds of things could damage or weaken their faith, the attacks from without, the betrayals coming from within and the need to stand firm. Paul has served and poured himself out for these people these last years and they are so very dear to him. Now he is to be separated from them and they from him. God is dividing the paths on which they have been walking and the divergence from one another is a source of sorrow that must be, for a time, as each of them follows God’s leading on their life. They will not see one another again in this life. So Paul desires to impart to them encouragement and strength to be faithful in his absence.

The brothers and sisters also had much to pray about concerning Paul. He has been their teacher and their friend. He has been the apostle provided by God, sent specifically to them. He is their spiritual father and they have found comfort in his example and under his guidance in the Lord. But now that it changing. They have grown up and now must also carry a larger measure of responsibility in the church and in the kingdom. Not only that but God has given these bodies of believers a glimpse into what awaits Paul. In every city there have been warnings that without a doubt the things that wait Paul at Jerusalem are things that most people would run away from rather than toward. As a result their care for him is heightened and their prayers for him all the more fervent that grace may be extended.

We can’t always be with those that mean so much to us. Following the path that God has set before us sometimes means moving on and being separated from those we love. However, that doesn’t mean that we are without ability to show care for one another. These believers come together to pray. They will not leave one another without comfort. They will not leave one another without committing their ways to God. They have seen what awaits each other, a glimpse of the path ahead. Not only is this a chance to encourage, strengthen and commit each other to God’s care but it is also a chance to stand together in fellowship with each other even at this point of separation. They have the opportunity to commit to continued intercession. That care, concern and knowledge comes together to bind them together in such a way that though absent from one another in body they are bound by a spirit of prayer. Such is the bond that we as believers should have for one another....to pray and intercede for one another. Sometimes out of sight means out of mind. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in everyday life and our own concerns that we forget to lift up our brothers and sisters. But even as we pray for one another as we are present with one another we need to remember to lift each other up to the throne of grace even more when we are apart that we might stand firm in the grace and truth of God.

Prayer Request Day 28

1) Calvary Chapel Celje - for all aspects of their worship & service - leaders, worship service, preaching of the Word, children's ministry, fellowship, men and women's mid-week Bible studies, Retirement Home ministry, Upcoming New Hope outreach, Summer English camps, direction in seeking a new meeting place
2) Salem Bible Church, Faith Evangelical Free, Davidsville Community Church, Mt. Aetna Bible Church, Morning Star Fellowship, New Passions, Roxbury United Methodist, Calvary Bible Church - continued faithful preaching of the word and outreach in their communities (and extended around the world)
3) Preparing of hearts to seek, hear and respond to the gospel of truth, open doors to reach out to people and share the gospel, beginning of Bible studies in Maribor