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PRAYERS THAT TRANSFORM US

Praying for others is a source of healing for us. Praying for others enables us to let go of the anger and frustration we carry against people. The fire of resentment and rage acts like a slow consuming fire that can potentially harm our physical and mental well-being. Praying for others releases us from this and quenches the destructive power of our negative emotions.

In essence, praying for others transforms us first before it transforms others. New age ideologies always talk about the power of positive thinking. But have we ever explored the power of “positive praying?” When we pray for the good of others, it does a work of transformation within us. The quickest way to change a relationship from bad to good is to start thanking God in prayer for the people we are not particularly fond of.

What should we pray for others? Many times, we are tuned to pray materialistic prayers for others. But Paul has a whole different take on the matter. He gives us four pointers. This is a transformative prayer that has the power to change our attitudes and others. In Philippians 1:9-11, we are exhorted to:

- Pray that our fellows will grow and abound in love.

- Pray that they make wise choices and discern what is best.

- Pray that they will do the right thing - Be pure and blameless.

- Pray that they will live for God's glory - Be filled with the fruit of righteousness.

Whom should we pray for?

The Bible points us to pray for five groups of people:

- Friends and family.

- Vulnerable and needy segments of the society.

- Those who rub us the wrong way, our enemies and those who’d like to do us in.

- Our elected officials and leaders whether we’ve voted for them or not.

When we intercede for one another, we are reflecting the caring nature of God and thus bringing him glory. Praying for others helps us partner with God in ushering in the will of God on earth. Want to be a partner with the King of the universe? You can get aboard His team, just as soon as you start praying for others.

Reflection time:

1. Make a list of people you are not particularly fond of, and pray for them.

2. Reflect on those behaviors that you find triggering in others, and introspect if those behavioral traits are found within you.

3. Write down your picture of a world that looks like “heaven on earth,” and pray for it.

Have a little chat about all that you have written down with God.