Would you pray for them?

During an intense time of prayer for a loved one, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper in my soul, “Would you pray as diligently for them as you pray for the ones you love?” The question rocked me because I knew He was referring to my prayers for those I am not as fond of, those I disagree with, those who impact my life in a negative way. It’s easy to pray for those I love, not so easy to pray for others.

To be honest, I’ve found my prayers for my loved ones take on an intensity, fervor, and love I wasn’t applying to my prayers for others. I need to do better. I need to be aware of my prayers and pray with the love of God for everyone. I need to pray with passion genuine concern for lost souls and those who have lost their way.

So, I’m asking these questions for us all…

Would you pray for others in the same way you pray for your loved one?

The lost person in your neighborhood, your apartment building, at your work, the one far away in the world. Would you pray for them?

The person who drove too slow, the person who drives too fast, the one who cut you off in traffic. Would you pray for them?

The politician you don’t like, the one who votes against your political party. Would you pray for them?

The bully, the boss that makes your life miserable, the neighbor that makes you want to move, the gang member. Would you pray for them?

The terrorist, the one who plots to kill. Would you pray for them?

Your enemy, the one who hurt you the most. Would you pray for them?

Please pray for them.

My heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 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.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Therefore, pray without ceasing.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. For the heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. ~ Romans 10:1 (NASB), Luke 6:27-31 (NASB), Matthew 5:44-45 (NASB) James 5:17 (NASB), 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB), Colossians 4:2 (NASB), James 5:16 (AMP), Matthew 21:22 (NASB)

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