Paul’s habit of reporting his regular prayers on behalf of his addressees (see e.g. Rom. 1:9ff.; Phil. 1:9; etc.) should not go unremarked. He will not offer teaching, advice and encouragement except in the context of prayer. His apostolic work is not his own idea. It is part of God’s plan. Conversely, prayer brings the assurance that his ministry is being used within God’s overall plan (1:24–29), and consequently that characteristic confidence which, outside this context, could sound like arrogance.