+DEV+ Praying for Others

Date: July 22, 2011 12:53 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Praying for Others

Praying for Others

"I urge, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone,This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4)
Scripture Focus: Colossians 4:2-6

One summer morning thunder storms delayed flights in Phoenix. A man sat down near me and spoke. Putting aside the book I was reading, I listened to his story. He had been home for the funeral of his sister who had taken her life. Sensing his pain, my heart ached. I did the only thing I knew to do at the time. "May I pray with you?" I offered. He nodded. Taking hold of his hands, I prayed for him. Questions concerning his spiritual condition concerned me after I boarded my plane, so I continued to pray that God would bring others into his life to minister to his spiritual needs.

The Bible urges us to pray for others. That includes our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we also pray for those who do not know Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches us what to say when sometimes we do not even know where to start. "The Lord has assigned to each his task" in sharing the knowledge and goodness of Christ with others (see 1 Corinthians 3:5). As we plant seeds and pray, He causes them to grow.

Insight: Be ready to minister to and pray with people whom God brings into your life. Ask the Holy Spirit for direction.