For whom should we pray?
JANUARY 3, 2008 (THURSDAY)
We should pray for
- Our Christian family, our fellow believers. “always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV). “Saints” refers to all Christians.
- Our own family members. “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 NIV).
- The sick. “ Call for the elders and let them pray over the sick” (James 5:14).
- Our religious leaders. Paul the leader said, “You help us by your prayers.” (2 Corinthians 1:11).
- Our national, state and local leaders. “1 I urge..that ..prayers.. be made for .. kings and all those in authority..” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
- Our judges, police, parole board, probation officers,, etc. “I urge that prayers be made for those in authority” 2 Timothy 2:1-2
- Our friends. Job prayed for his friends. Job 42.
- Our enemies and persecutors. “Bless them that curse you and hate you..” Matthew 5:44.
- The lost and unbelieving. Paul prayed for his kinsmen. Romans 10:1.
Samuel said to a group of people, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” (1 Samuel 12:23 NIV).
We choose to pray for others because to refuse to do so is a sin.
We choose to pray for others because to do so is a high and holy privilege afforded to the children of God by God's matchless grace.