The Prayers of Paul

One of the most fruitful studies I have ever done explored Paul's recorded NT prayers. I find it instructive to reflect on the differences between how we pray and how he did. One strength of a participatory gathering comes from praying for one another. The saints that I visit make it a point to discover the needs and intercede to God for them. However, the majority of these focus on health issues or other personal needs. While I believe this valid- the apostles prayed for people and saw them healed- I think it incomplete. Even granting that most of Paul's epistles were written to groups of saints. I think a perusal of his prayers yields a different perspective.
For example, in Romans 1: 8-12 we see him writing that he thanks God for their faith, proclaimed throughout the world. He asks that he may impart spiritual gifts to them, and for mutual encouragement. Romans 15:5-6 asks God that the Romans might live in harmony with one another, so that they may glorify Him together. In 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 Paul thanks God that the Corinthians were enriched in all speech and knowledge. 2 Cor. 13:7-9 expresses the hope that the Corinthians will do what they should.
An expanded prayer beginning in Ephesians 1:15 asks that God may give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the Ephesians may know the hope to which they are called, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of his power towards those who believe. In Ephesians 3:14ff Paul prays that the saints may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in their inner being, and may have strength to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and be filled with all the fullness of God.
These and other recorded prayers (e.g. Phil 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9ff, Colossians 4:12, 1 Thess 1:2-3, 1 Thess 3:9ff, 2 Thess 1:3, 2 Thess 1:11-12, 2 Thess 3:5) paint a different picture than we are accustomed to see. A quick synopsis of themes includes the following: faith proclaimed, faith in Jesus, growth in faith, mutual encouragement, harmony, glorification of God, thanksgiving, restoration, love for the saints, wisdom,revelation,power, spiritual strength, approve what is excellent, knowledge of His will, pleasing Him, bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge, maturity and assurance, faith, hope and love, blameless in holiness.
Brethren, let us expand our horizons beyond our physical and material needs to the true spiritual riches, which are eternal.