“I appeal to you!

My brothers!

By our Lord Jesus Christ

And by the love

Of the Spirit,

To join me

In earnest prayer

To God

On my behalf.”

Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Πνεύματος συναγωνίσασθαί μοι ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν,

Paul said that that he appealed to them (Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς) as brothers (ἀδελφοί) that by our Lord (διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν) Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) and by the love of the Spirit (καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Πνεύματος), they might join him (συναγωνίσασθαί μοι) in earnest prayers (ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς) to God (πρὸς τὸν Θεόν) on his behalf (ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ).  Only the Pauline letters used this word συναγωνίσασθαί, that means to strive with, struggle in company with, or aid.  Paul then asked for their prayers as his brothers, joining in prayers for him.  Thus, our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of the Holy Spirit might guide him.  He now asked these Roman Christians that he was writing to pray for him.  Have you ever asked for prayers?