by Josh McCrary
Someone said: “When I woke up this morning, I asked myself what is life all about? I
found the answer when I looked in my room. The fan told me to be cool. The ceiling told
me to aim high. The window asked me to see the world. The clock wanted me to think
every moment is precious. The mirror said: reflect before you act. The calendar wanted
me to be up to date. The door told me to push hard to walk through to opportunities.
Most importantly, the floor reminded me to kneel and pray.”
Prayer is an opportunity to express our heart’s desires to God. Paul wrote: “Do not
be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). He described prayer in his verse as: “let your requests be made known.” Paul described prayer
in a similar way to the Roman brothers and sisters, saying: “Brothers, my heart’s desire
and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul described prayer and a “heart’s desire” expressed to God. Prayer is something that we can
do to express ourselves to our Father in heaven. Therefore, it is good for the children of
God to take advantage of an opportunity to pour out their hearts before God’s throne.
Does the Bible mention people for whom we should pray? How often should we
pray? Why do we pray? Does God hear us when we pray? These are all great questions
that will be answered in the study of this article. I hope that all of us will use the opportunities given to be more prayerful and express our hearts to our Heavenly Father.
The main question that will be answered in this study will be: “For whom should we
pray?” The other questions will be answered in a secondary fashion.
Let’s begin by noticing that the Bible teaches that we should pray for those ELECTED. Paul wrote to Timothy: “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” (1 Timothy
2:1-3). No matter who has won the election this week, God desires that Christians pray
for the one who is in power. Peter wrote about the importance of honoring those who are
in governing positions: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,
whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish
those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that
by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as
people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as
servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17). Many today have given up on politics. We can all understand
the frustration, but politics are products of the world. Politics are not a product of the
church. This means that politics need CHURCH (more Christians supporting and praying
for leaders). Someone once said: “There are three parties in politics: Democrat, Republican, and cocktail… and I don’t support any of those!” Well, we can be frustrated and walk
away, but that will only add fuel to the fire. Lets be a people who are true Americans who
practice our nations’ motto: “UNITED WE STAND!” Let’s pray for those ELECTED.
Let’s notice second, that the Bible teaches that we should pray for our ENEMIES. Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Praying for good things to happen for our enemies is not easy. It is natural for us to want
bad things to happen to those who have done us harm. Abraham Lincoln said: “Destroy
your enemies by making them your friends.” It is nice when we have had differences with
people and we come together and work it out like we should. It brings a feeling of relief.
The teachings of Jesus often go against what is natural, which is what makes serving
our Lord difficult. Why don’t we think of someone right now… We know this person cannot stand to be anywhere near us… Can we pray this prayer: “Father, please help this
person to understand that I want to love every one. Please help them see that I do not
want to be the enemy. I am asking you to please bless them. Most importantly, I pray for
them to open their hearts to the Gospel that they will be saved. In Jesus name, AMEN.” All
of us have our faults, but I honestly believe that genuineness comes with loving God and
loving our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40).
Let’s notice third, that the Bible teaches that we should pray for EACH OTHER. I
suppose we all run into times when we feel like we need to talk to someone. This makes
it especially difficult for spiritual leaders. There is an old saying: “Who ministers to the
minister?” My point is: no matter what your title may be, all people need to vent. James
wrote: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that
you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Prayer is a special bond that keeps us together. While we worship together (which is VERY important) we pray for each other as well.
Paul had a prayer request that he asked of the church at Thessalonica: “Finally,
brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,
as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil
men” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). May all of us have this same request of our brothers and
sisters.
I hope that I can be a better and more prayerful person. I hope that all of us will
challenge ourselves daily to be a people who pray for those ELECTED, for those who are
our ENEMIES, and for EACH OTHER. May God bless your journey to heaven.
