Thoughts for Life: #20 Interceding for the Unsaved

Alvin Vandergriend- The Bible clearly requires us to pray for persons who are not saved. In 1 Timothy 2 we are reminded that God wants all persons to be saved, and we are urged "therefore" to pray for everyone.

Jesus modeled prayer for the unsaved when He prayed, "My prayer is not for [my disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message" (John 17:20). And the apostle Paul was praying for the unsaved when he prayed his heart's desire for the Israelites (Roman 10:1). (Google image, Man praying with sky behind him).

How shall we pray for those who are not saved?

First, we should pray that the unsaved will be drawn by the Father. Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" John 6:44).

Second, we should pray that those who hear the gospel will understand it. Jesus warns that the evil one will come and snatch away the gospel seed sown in a person's heart if it is not understood (Matthew 13:19). the spiritual understanding and enlightenment required must come from God, who is moved to respond to the prayers of His people.

Third, we should pray that unbelievers' eyes will be opened so that they can see the light. As we pray this prayer, we will once again be contending with the adversary, "the god of this age [who] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Opening spiritual eyes, is of course, God's business. But releasing God's power to open blinded eyes is prayer business, to which God calls us.

God honors prayer for the unsaved. A Lighthouse* in Grand Rapids, Michigan, prayed for a young man who had run away from home and joined a gang. The young man returned home and made a commitment to Christ. Later his grandfather gave his life to Christ shortly before he died, also in response to prayer.

Another Lighthouse* in western Michigan saw four families come to the Lord after eight months of weekly meetings to pray for their neighbors.

This is prayer-evangelism, evangelism in which God moves in the hearts and lives of people in response to the earnest prayers of believers. Who among those who will believe in Christ are you praying for?

*A Lighthouse , as referred to in this devotional, is a person, family, or small group that commits to praying for, caring for, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with their neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family members.

(pp. 54, 55 in Love to Pray- 40 Day Devotional for Deepening Your Prayer Life by Alvin Vandergriend)

Let's pray-

Father, help us care enough for those we know that aren't saved, to pray for their salvation. May we be in earnest in praying for them, that You would draw them to Your Heart, and help them sense their need of You and to make a commitment to receive and obey Your call on their lives.

Whether these folks are family members or even our own children, may we understand that Your Spirit draws people to You through the prayers of those of us who are in right standing with You. Our faith and our obedience to Jesus, the One who made the way into Your Presence for us, is what makes us able to pray for others.

We are thankful for those who prayed in times past for us, having a burden placed on them for our souls. May we receive the burdens You place upon us for others, that we may see them saved.

We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

John 14:27 (NIV) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

Romans 5:5 (NIV)"And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." ()

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed n spirit."

Quote for today-

Elisa Pulliam- "Whether you find yourself standing in a pasture or, more likely, up to your elbows in dishes, overwhelmed with laundry, crammed into the carpool line, or juggling papers at your desk, the invitation from God is before you. Will you say yes to slowing down for a breath or two so that you can be still and be present with Him?
He is there, inviting you into a deep and satisfying connection as you take another breath, and remind your soul that He is still on the throne eager for you to cease the endless striving and sit with Him awhile."

Words of wisdom-

When we decide the route we're taking, may we see the Hand of the Lord guiding us to make wholesome plans for everyone involved. We are responsible to God for what we allow, and the way we act and react. Our attitude will affects others, and might be all wrong, even sinful.

Today's question-

How should we handle divisions in our churches?

Because there's a spiritual war going on, we have seen splits in congregations over the years. What God does as a result of them, can be lessons for us, as He's working in all of our lives to show Himself Mighty on our behalf.

We may not understand the cause nor the outcome, but we can examine our own attitudes about those involved. Once we know of the split in fellowships, we're to pray for them and their handling of it. Our looking for God's viewpoint will help us trust in His ability to bring good out of the situation.

The feelings of many will be hurt and damaged, so we must prayerfully hold them up in our prayers for God's will to be done. Unity comes through relying on the Truth of His Word, making it the foundation for all that we do.

We are to ask the Holy Spirit to sustain the congregation through any act of division; whether it be on deep-faith issues, their purpose for the church group, or some personality clashes. There may be the need to re-examine their faith and foundation they've built their church on.

The advice is; speak with your pastor about your questions, and let him answer them.

Upcoming posts:

The Leaning Tower

Adam Holtz

#21 Prayer As a Conversation with God

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#22 Living Prayerfully

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Outpouring of Spiritual Life

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)