WE, TOO OUGHT TO PRAY

Now I urge you brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God for me.
ROMAN 15:30

In light of the boldness with which Paul describe his travei plans, we might think that he eagerly anticipated every aspect of his trip. But this was not the case.
Although Paul felt genuinely excited about his eventual visit to Rome (ROM.15:23), the Jerusalem trip weighed heavily on his heart. He had many enemies in that city. The Jewish leaders despised him for leading the Jews away from the Law of Moses. They considered him a turncoat and a heretic worthy of stoning. Despite the dangers, though, Paul prepared to set out for Jerusalem. During his last visit with friends at Philip the evangelist's house (Acts 21:8), an ominous visitor arrived. Biblical biographer Charles Ball recount the events of that night.
  Coming to the house where Paul was a guest, Agabus [a prophet] recognized the apostle; and, with a knowledge of the feeling that existed against Paul in Jerusalem, he warned him not to go. Like one of the prophets of the Old Testament, he made his warning vivid. He loosened the long, linen girdle from Paul's waist, and stooping down, he bound his own feet and hands. While the believers gazed at him in silence, he said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles"' (Acts 21:11).
    Immediately the whole group, including Timonthly and Luke, beseeched him to give up his plan to go to Jerusalem. With tears in their eyes they pleaded, but their words were like waves beating upon a rock. Paul was determined.
     So knowing the danger ahead, Paul gathered his belonging and set his heart face like flint to go up to Jerusalem.
      What a poignant scene. It's hard to imagine the determination in Paul's heart. It's hard to fathom the love he held for Jerusalem. Despite the dangers, Paul set out for the City filled with enemies.
      But he didn't go without help. Prior to this, Paul had finished his letter to the Romans. He had asked them to pray for him as he tried to minister in Jerusalem. At a time like this, what could be more important than prayer? From his prayer request in Roman 15:30-33, we can draw principle for this we, too, ought to pray.