The Biscuit TrailSample

Praying for People

God has goodwill for all people, desiring them to be saved. Jesus shares His Father's heart and so He gave Himself as a ransom for all people. Now He mediates between God and humanity, making peace for us with his sacrifice.

These verses invite us to share the Father's heart as well, and to join Jesus in the heavenly throne room with our own prayers for all people.

Look at how much influence your government has on your country. Rulers can protect our right to worship, or they can oppress it. As great as their influence is, there is another power that totally overshadows them. In prayer, you approach the Almighty, the King of Kings, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. He can answer your prayers and use your requests for His glory. Prayer can transform the culture of your country so that the message of Jesus will flourish. Prayer can move the hearts of the great and powerful, and the lowly and meek.

Sharing the gospel with people is one way that we can express God's goodwill to all, but so is prayer. For those of us who are intimidated by how others might respond, prayer is a good first step. Prayer allows us to align our hearts with our Father, to seek his power to transform those around us, and to seek his power to transform our natural timidity into supernatural courage. For those of us who are bold and excited to share, prayer reminds us that it is God's power that changes hearts, not our confidence, knowledge or charm.

Action

Look for opportunities to pray for people today. Maybe you can offer to pray for someone. If you do, remember to ask them about it later!

Prayer

Do you share God's love and goodwill to all people, or do you need to confess any bitterness you are holding in your heart against a person or a faction?

Are there any specific people whom you would love to see discover Jesus? Maybe you can make a list of five that you can commit to praying for regularly.

Take some time to pray for your country and its leaders and influencers, and for the transformation of your society so that the church can grow in number and holiness.