…than to pray for me.
Charles Spurgeon was a man who knew how to pray and rely on the prayers of others as well. A gifted preacher and evangelist, he lived in the 1800’s and is considered one of the great orators of his generation. He is known as the “Prince of Preachers.” His masterful use of the English language and knowledge of the Bible is clearly evident in his poetic, passionate and bold prayers.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
Please click here to read more about Charles Spurgeon.
Please click here to read some of his amazing prayers.
I was so inspired by Spurgeon’s beautiful prayers that I ordered one of his books appropriately titled, C. H. Spurgeon’s Prayers and I have enjoyed reading and praying through it.
Each Sunday at my church, I’m privileged to pray with others in the prayer ministry. It is so rewarding to see the look of relief in people’s eyes after receiving prayer. It’s a blessing to be available to connect with those who are hurting and to pray on their behalf. They are so grateful for a listening ear, a hand on their shoulder and the kindness of prayer in their time of need.
Prayer is a kindness because we are focusing on the welfare and concerns of others.
To pray for a person is a sacred trust as people confide matters that are very personal. We have to maintain their confidence with a few exceptions; such as in cases of threats to injure oneself or others or abuse.
We can contact the local law enforcement agency for threats to harm oneself or others. In cases of domestic abuse we can refer people to domestic abuse resources in their area. Click HERE for a website with a hotline for domestic violence.
We can pray with others in meetings or by ourselves at home. We can also take a prayer retreat to have an extended time of prayer. Regardless of the location we choose, the Bible has much to say on the subject of prayer.
Christians have the privilege of coming directly to God to pray by the authority and power of the Name of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (NLT)
We can display true kindness when we commit to pray for others. Our prayers for those in authority not only benefit them but, can result in us living more peaceful lives as well.
Here are some suggested areas for prayer:
Government, Leaders, Countries, World Leaders, City Council
Police, Military, First Responders, Firefighters
Schools, Teachers, Teen’s, Children
Churches, Pastors, Missionaries, Ministries, Volunteers
Salvation, Revival, Awakening, Persecuted Christians
Current Events
Sick, Unemployed, Homeless
Addiction, Crime, Terrorism
Widows, Grieving,Family, Friends
Some people might think that their prayers are inadequate, thus, we can look to Scripture for many wonderful examples of how to pray for ourselves and others.
Ephesians 3:16-17 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (NIV)
Philippians 1:9 says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” (NLT)
Colossians 1:9-12 says, “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (NIV)
The Bible tells us to even pray for those who harm and persecute us.
In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said,
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (NIV)
This can be a tough one. But, I have found that if I obey and pray for others who have mistreated me, then God softens my heart. It may take some time, but with persistent prayer I have found that God changes me and I begin to think differently about the person. My resentment gives way to compassion.
If we find it difficult to pray for someone, then more than likely we may need to forgive them.
Forgiveness is a decision of our will and then our feelings will follow. When we forgive, we become free of resentment and bitterness that often characterize unforgiveness.
What do you think about demonstrating kindness through prayer?
Do you pray regularly for others?
Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.
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“No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.”—Charles Spurgeon | CLICK TO TWEET
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