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SELFLESS PRAYERS

Many times we are tempted to look inward and pray for ourselves. We seem to always have a million needs and scores of wish lists. As Christians, we have been exhorted to be selfless and pray for others. A prayer that sets aside personal needs and blesses the lives of others is the wildest prayer of all. When we pray for ourselves, we receive a blessing. When we pray for others, we become a blessing. God has not called us to live “for the blessing” but to live “as a blessing.” All the heroes of the Bible who were called “blessed” of God were those who prayed for others. Abraham interceded for Lot, Esther prayed for her people to be saved, Moses pleaded on behalf of the Israelites, and the list goes on.

Paul in his letter to Timothy writes: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” This verse gives us insights into some ground rules about praying for others:

- The Greek word for “I urge you” is Parkaleo. This word is one that can be translated as “I charge you.” In essence, praying for others is a command.

- When Paul starts out with this instruction, he says “first of all.” This signifies that praying for others is of the highest priority.

- Paul exhorts us that no one should be left out in our prayers. In fact, Jesus encourages us to pray for our enemies as well.

How should we pray for others?

We are encouraged to pray four kinds of prayers for others:

• Petition (deesis): Prayers for specific needs of others that require urgent care. E.g: Prayer for someone in an emergency situation.
• Prayers (Proseuche): Consistent prayers that are being offered at a specific time for specific causes. E.g: Prayer for revival in our country every Friday afternoon.
• Intercession (enteuxis): Bold prayers that are prayed for the deliverance of others. This involves striving in praying on behalf of someone else, also known as standing in the gap.
• Thanksgiving (eucharistia): This refers to giving thanks for someone.

Max Lucado says, “You are never more like Jesus than when you pray for others.” May God give us the grace to pray selflessly and thereby be a channel of God’s blessing.

Reflection time:

1. How often do you pray for others?

2. What are some social/kingdom causes that you can pray regularly for?

3. Make a list of some people from your circle who are in need of your intercessory prayer.

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