The more you pray for different types of people, the more prayer becomes a habit in your life.
While we all have prayed for family, friends, co-workers, and gospel workers, did you realize that we aren’t actually commanded to pray for those people? Obviously, we should pray for anyone and everyone, but these groups are never singled out for our dedicated prayers.
The Bible does command us to pray for the neglected though. It may not be the type of “neglect” that comes to your mind. These people aren’t neglected by a world’s standard but from a prayer standard.
Who are these people? Politicians and persecutors.
Throughout biblical instruction, these two groups of people are singled out for which God expects and commands our prayers.
Read the passages below.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – First of all, then I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…
Unfortunately, those two groups are not the first people I think of when I pray. I don’t pray for politicians and persecutors on a regular basis, and I need to change that. Because I want to? Absolutely not. Because God wants me to.
I don’t pray for politicians and persecutors cause it’s what I want to do but because it’s what God wants me to do.
What makes it difficult to pray for politicians and those in authority?
You may have a problem praying for politicians and authority figures because you don’t like them or trust them. All the more reason to pray for them!
Instead of praying for those who persecute you, how do you normally want to respond to them?
We normally want to seek revenge on those who persecute us instead of pray for them, but that is what God has called us to do!
While this prayer focus may not be the list you are most eager to begin, it is the clearest biblically. That’s why we must address it.
Select at least one politician or person in authority for which to pray. It may not even be one that you respect or like. Even if they think fundamentally different from your side of the ticket, wouldn’t you desire to see God still do a work in their lives?
It may be difficult for you to think of an enemy in your life. For some of you, it might be easy. Who is that person that makes you cringe when you see them from far off or hear their name mentioned? That person might be a good place to start. Pray in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Don’t just pray that God will “get them,” but pray that God works in their lives.
This day’s assignment is important to the whole process of becoming a person of prayer. We are submitting ourselves to the teaching of Scripture and we cannot neglect such clear commands. Let’s become obedient to this Word (James 1:22) and get to praying!
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.