Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to the Church at Corinth. He identified himself as an apostle by the will of God, with all the saints. He praised God for his mercy and comfort and referred to the sufferings of Christ that abounded in servants of God. Paul understood suffering well and went on later in the letter to outline some of the things he experienced in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. When suffering abounds, consolation does also. Paul understood that suffering has a purpose: to benefit others.

Paul indicated something interesting in 2 Corinthians 1:11: “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” I think the Corinthians had already been praying, and he wanted them to continue to pray. He knew his endurance and deliverance were given by God and made possible by the prayers of the people to God on his behalf and on behalf of all who served with him. This was not the only time Paul asked the churches to pray for him and for the work.

As disciples and servants of Jesus, we are blessed to participate in God’s mission in the world through prayer. It is a great blessing to offer prayers and be blessed by the prayers offered by others! As the people of God, we should be characterized in part by our prayers to God.