…seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 ESV
Many years ago, my husband and I moved to a city to start our life together. It was a good and prosperous place to live.
We did not know:
>We were supposed to be praying for the people in it
>It would change drastically in just a few years
>We would desire to leave the city we once loved
God told the people something that is still true today. Peace in the place we call home is contingent upon the rest or unrest in the lives of those who live around us.
God wanted his people to pray for those who did not call upon him.
Has God changed his request?
…I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1 ESV
Years ago, commuting home on public transportation, a man began yelling and cussing when the exit door did not open at the stop.
I recall fear filling my chest. As I sat waiting for what would happen next, it hit me that I could silently pray for all of us on the train. Not to simply pray away my concern about my own welfare, but for everyone’s welfare. Including the man.
According to 1 Timothy 2:1, you are to:
>Humbly ask for things on everyone’s behalf
>Talk to God for their good outcome
>Legally be the go-between to God
>Thank God for the good he has done for others
In God’s view, everyone qualifies to be prayed for.
But what if:
>You don’t like specific people? Can you leave them off your prayer list?
>They make you angry? God will understand, right?
>They don’t have anything to do with your daily living?
>The way they live contradicts God?
Do you get a loophole?
I was caught off guard when God asked me to pray for someone who I tried very hard to not think of. Someone from the past who created pain in my life. God convicted my heart in a time of prayer asking, “If you don’t pray for him who will?”
Are you thinking this task is too big for you?
It is! It is too big for any of us to do on our own.
…where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I… Matthew 18:20 ESV
The task of praying for our cities can quickly become overwhelming.
Crime and the occasional natural disaster can leave you feeling:
>Small
>Weak
>Speechless
Do you know who wants you to stay feeling that way? Not God!
So invite someone to pray with you. The people of your city need prayer.
There are many situations to pray about:
>Those who run your city
>Those who work in your city
>Families
>College students
>Prisoners
>The addicted
>The homeless
See how quickly that list became overwhelming. What would you pray, right now for each of those needs?
Will you join me, praying for your city?
Ask someone, or several someones, to join us as we explore topics and situations that matter to those who live around us.
And when words fail, because they will…
…we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 ESV
Once a month, I will write a blog continuing this conversation. On the first Thursday of every month, you can gather here and be led in prayer for your city.
You have a unique opportunity to boldly pray, united in heart with another, for the welfare of strangers. Strangers to you but not to God.
Some weeks, your heart will be broken over events that have occurred. In those times, submitting your heart to the Spirit of God will be enough.
Other weeks, prayers and praise will be easier.
Will you invite someone to pray with you?
God,
Sometimes the news of what is happening in my city is too much to process.
Thank you for showing me there is another way to view these circumstances. You have a plan for me in the midst of where I live.
Open my eyes to the people around me in a new way. Help me to see them more clearly. Not for my gain, but for your purpose.
May my invitations to others to pray with me be bold and received with a ‘Yes and Amen.’
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next week… another devotional review! I look forward to introducing you to a newer devotional. It has been exciting to read.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When life is good, it’s easy to forget to pray for the leaders and residents of our city. Oftentimes, I want to tune out what’s happening. Instead, I should take the troubles in my town to prayer, and while I’m at it, praise God for the good things. Thanks for these eye-opening words.
Hey Dianne. Thanks for stopping by. I think we all need reminding to see those around us as God wants is too. Thanks for your honesty.