Read time: 4 minutes
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— “ (1 Timothy 2:1 NIV)
We are to pray for everyone. Friends, family, co-workers, mere acquaintances, if they are human and in your life, you’re to pray for them. The reason:
“that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2 NIV)
With each year that passes, I appreciate a quiet life more and more. When I was younger, I liked the turmoil that came with a fast-paced career and the energy to maintain it. Now, a few years older, my capacity for drama is less. Quiet evenings at home are preferable to wild nights on the town. Each morning I have the capability of getting out of bed, making myself a cup of coffee, and enjoying the company of my husband is a blessing.
Peace comes from prayer.
When we pray for the people in our lives, we gain a different perspective. Settling our minds on God as we lift individuals up to Him helps us control our emotions. We allow our Creator to reveal His truth to us. In every relationship, we’re part of the problem. As we lift our relational issues to God, He often reveals our responsibility in the conflict. Working through the problem leads us to peace.
For me, allowing people to deal with life the way they want is challenging. When I said this to my husband, he said, “In other words, control people.” He’s right, we can’t control people. We have to let them live their lives the way they want too. Maybe they want us as part of their lives, maybe they don’t. We have no control over such things. But we can love them when we have them. And the best way to start is with prayer.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)
If you don’t know what to pray for people, lift up what you know. Whatever problem they are facing, pray about it. Ask God to show you how you can love them in this situation. Sometimes He will prompt you to do something, other times, He won’t. He’ll help you identifiy your emotions, which helps gain a clear perspective. Praying allows our view to change as we let God’s presence into it.
Talking to God about the people in your life will bring peace that surpasses all understanding:
“Do not be anxious… in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NIV)
Spend today praying for the people in your life. See what God does.
Question of the Day:
Who needs prayer in your life today?
Further Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 NIV, 1 Timothy 2:1-15 NIV, Psalm 87 NIV, Proverbs 25:18-19 NIV
