Prayer Column - November 2019

For what and for whom?

What should I be praying for? Well, I suppose whatever’s going on round me, what I care about – what God has laid on my heart. Pray for my part in it, and for a good outcome, that which would please God (that’s what ‘good’ is) even if I don’t yet see what that should be. Pray that God will find a way through obstacles and brick walls,. And I mustn’t forget to thank him for good things already seen, nor neglect to praise him for those answers he hasn’t yet revealed. That would show proper faith.

And then who: for whom should I be praying? There’s those I have some responsibility for: my family of course; and friends, especially any who’re sick, or struggling, or who’ve asked me to pray for them; and then those I just meet and mix with through work or hobbies or wherever, and feel concerned about; not to mention ‘kings [or queens] and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life’ (1 Tim 2:2). And... But hang on! That’s getting an awfully long list. Is there no limit?

Hmm! How about a different approach? Instead of a great long list to be worked through systematically and ticked off – even if some are omitted after a certain number of ticks – would I do better to try and develop a prayer-alert attitude. I mean seeking to listen to God as I meet people, or even as they come to mind, and pray as he directs. Core lists could still be useful memory joggers, but such an approach might stop them becoming altogether burdensome.

Could prayer become more of a habit?

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Almighty God, who looks down from above the heavens and sees all, you have called me to pray to you, and listen for you, please show me how. Amen.

Everlasting Lord, ever in control, of each of us and our world, please give me faith to pray for help with problems, however simple or insuperable. Amen.

Heavenly Father, who desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, please show me who and what I should pray for, day by day. Amen.

Great God of all, present in each believer by your Holy Spirit, please give me an awareness of your concern for people, and keep me alert to pray. Amen.

Your own prayers

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