PRAYER PROMPT ••• Have you ever had an urge to pray for someone you don’t know?
The first time it happened to me, it was for a man at the health food store.
No idea why, but God knows.
Yesterday, I felt compelled to pray for two women I’ve never met as I was holding their paperwork.
To hear God’s calling to pray for a stranger is a powerful thing.
In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul wrote, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”
He didn’t say some people or just the ones you know.
ALL people need prayers.
Whether they want them or not.
Interestingly, this verse doesn’t end as a sentence, but the thought continues to verse 2, “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
I refuse to get into a political discussion here, but I think it’s an important add-on to remember we’re also supposed to pray for our leaders, including our President, Vice President, Congress, etc.
Whether you like them or not.
If this is an issue for you, I urge you to read Romans 13:1-14, 1 Peter 2:13-17, and Titus 3:1-2.
Getting back on track, when we pray for those we don’t know, it’s hard to be specific.
But a little observation may go a long way.
As you sit at a traffic light and notice the car beside you, what can you identify about them that would enable you to pray specifically?
Are they dressed for work?
Do they have a family of stick figures on their window?
Is a teenager driving himself to school?
Maybe your prayers could include “she seems to be heading to work; please give her wisdom as she does her job.”
Or “Please protect this family and if they don’t know You, please place a burden on their hearts that they will seek You.”
Or “If this young person has a test, please help him do well, protect his future and give him the strength to stand against temptation.”
Today, as you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray for those you don’t know.
Ask Him for guidance.
And I ask you join me in prayers for someone I don’t know today: Proverbs 31 President, Lysa TerKeurst is having surgery.
Please pray for total recovery.
