How to Pray for AnyoneSample

PRAYING FOR OTHERS TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL

On our own, gentleness doesn’t come naturally. Similarly, self-control feels impossible without the Spirit’s help because our hearts so easily drift toward self-interest. From the very beginning, we wrestle with fear, anger, and a desire to protect ourselves. The world around us only confirms this by telling us that strength means survival and that we must strive to prove ourselves and fight to keep our place. It’s no wonder we so often give in to unhealthy patterns, habits, or desires. But the good news is that what belongs to our flesh does not define our faith. In Christ, a new nature is possible.

Gentleness and self-control are not products of human effort; they are evidence of God’s redeeming work in us. They are the fruit of the Spirit, bearing blessings in our lives and overflowing onto those around us. They reflect both the grace we’ve received and the stewardship entrusted to us.

Gentleness and self-control go hand in hand. When our impulses or circumstances drive us more than the Spirit, we lose step with God’s best for ourselves and others. Impulsiveness, impatience, or hardness of heart cut us off from the grace we’ve been given—and from extending that grace to others in the form of gentleness.

If gentleness is evident in us, it is because we have allowed the cross to, as A. W. Tozer says, “do its deadly work in us”—putting to death our selfish desires and inviting the Spirit to cultivate a heart turned outward, toward God and others.

There is no greater example than Jesus. He was never thrown off by interruptions, never impatient with people, never driven by impulse. He remains the Good Shepherd—gently guiding us to still waters and always saving us a place at His table.

So we can pray that God would cultivate gentleness and self-control in us and in others, so His work may be complete. We ask Him to teach us to see interruptions as invitations, and impulses as opportunities for the Spirit to bear fruit through self-control.

And when we don’t know how to pray for someone, asking God to grow gentleness and self-control in their life is asking Him to meet them where they are, and to deepen their trust in Him. That kind of prayer is transformational—and it bears fruit as the Spirit works in and through us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

• In what circumstances can you offer the gentleness or practice the self-control of the Spirit of Christ?
• How can you take one of today’s verses on gentleness or self-control and intentionally pray it over someone in your life this week?

A FINAL NOTE...

I’m so grateful you’ve walked through this journey with me. My prayer is that you’ve discovered fresh insight into the fruit of the Spirit—both for your own life and as a way to pray over others. Keep asking God to grow these qualities in you, and keep interceding intentionally on behalf of those around you. Every single prayer matters.

I would love to hear how God has spoken to you during these days in His Word! It’s always such a joy to celebrate what He’s doing. You can connect with me on social media (@rachelsweatt) or through my website (www.rachelsweatt.com)—I’d love to hear from you!

For more biblical resources and encouragement, you can subscribe to my Substack and follow along on Instagram!

Once again, thank you so much for trusting me with your time here. It is a JOY to run this race with you all!

Grace and peace,

Rachel Sweatt

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