DAY 18: PRAY FOR OTHERS
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
—1 Timothy 2:1–4"
Perhaps one of the greatest ways to experience the power of prayer is through intercession—praying for others. Intercession is the graduate level of prayer.
The Bible names several specific groups of people for whom we are to pray.
• Those in public leadership. This includes our national and local government leaders, police officers, teachers, and others in authority. Whether or not we agree with their policies and opinions, we are to pray for them—that they would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
• Our spiritual leaders. The devil aims his biggest guns at God’s leaders, and today, many are discouraged, hurting, and even falling into sin. God’s people need to pray for God’s leaders. I ask you from the depths of my heart to pray for the pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders throughout the world.
• The lost. Are you praying for those in your life who do not know Jesus? Prayer is the means by which we help point others to faith in Christ. You and I know people who have yet to receive God’s gift of grace, and the first step we ought to take is to commit the matter to prayer. Only God, by His Spirit, can reach a neighbor, rescue a prodigal child, and turn a wayward heart toward Him. By devoting ourselves to persistent prayer, we join Him in that noble work.
• Our country. We need to cry out to God and pray for our country. And if you love this country you will pray for God to revive His Church. Pray that God would renew our families and our communities. We need to pray for our fellow citizens and our neighbors, and turn our prayers to action. Psalm 33:2 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” Let us join in prayer that our nation will return to its roots of honoring God.
Today, devote yourself to intercessory prayer. As you pray, consider world, national, and local leaders, pastors, teachers, and those in military service. Then make a separate list of specific friends and acquaintances in your life who need to know Jesus.
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