Let’s face it; much of the time we don’t know what problems people are dealing with or what they’re going through. So when you decide to pray for them, follow Paul’s example, in which he asked God to give Timothy these three things:
1) Grace. In the Bible, the word grace implies two things: first, God’s unmerited favour; second, ‘all of God’s ability you’ll ever need to handle whatever you are facing’, Here’s a great Bible promise you should stand on in times of difficulty: ‘God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong…support you and keep you from falling’ (1 Peter 5:10 NCV).
2) Mercy. A large publishing house had a machine that automatically mailed reminders to its readers when their subscriptions had expired. One day it malfunctioned and a rancher in a remote Colorado town received 9,734 notices. So he drove for miles to the nearest post office, posted his cheque, and wrote, ‘Send me the magazine. I give up!’ That’s how it is with God; He keeps sending us notices. ‘Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness’ (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV).
3) Peace. The peace God gives can sustain us through the worst of circumstances. And it’s different from the peace the world offers. At best, the world offers temporary relief. But ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds’ (Philippians 4:7 NIV 2011 Edition). So when you’re not sure how to pray for someone, ask God to give them His grace, His mercy, and His peace.
Luke 23:26-56, Ps 126-128
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