Pray for All

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” I Timothy 2:1

Ever had someone you had to interact with daily who really got under your skin? When I was a freshman in Bible school, I lived in a dorm with 60 other guys. My roommate was great–we’re still friends today. But there was a guy across the hall that drove me crazy. He always waltzed into our room uninvited, borrowing stuff without asking. He was loud and obnoxious. Many times, we asked for the simple courtesy of knocking before entering our room (the only shred of privacy you have in a dorm). My desk was beside the door to our room and one day as he started to come in, I caught the door and slammed it in his face so hard, I thought the building might collapse. I was at the end. My far wiser roommate said, “Mike–you need to pray for him.” I said, “You’ve got that right! He needs a lot of prayer!”

Like most believers, I pray every day and at many different points throughout the day. I have a small notebook that has an extended list of people I pray for daily. My family and closest friends are prayed for consistently and fervently. I often pray together with other Christ followers. But Paul says we need to pray for all people, even those we do not like! Notice also, that we aren’t just to pray that they will get their acts together, but we need to give thanks for them. God softened my heart toward that guy, and we ended the year on good terms. Is there someone like that in your life who you need to pray for?

-Pastor Mike