First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. (1 Timothy 2:1, English Standard Version)

Current Challenge (Days 23 – 28 of Lent)

Our current challenge (God’s World) brought some of the words of the classical hymn, “How Great Thou Art” to mind. “O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made…Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art!”  It is a blessing to meditate on the attributes of God that are evident in his creation.

Introduction to New Challenge (Days 29 – 34 of Lent)

Our fifth challenge recognizes the importance of intercessory prayers.  Standing in the gap for others through prayer is an enduring obligation for Christians.  During times of upheaval, the need for God’s intervention seems more pressing.  Understandably, when there is turmoil we gravitate towards seeking God’s favor for ourselves and those close to us (e.g., family, friends and our church community).  We should certainly continue to pray for those close to us, but the Bible instructs us to intercede for all people. 

The broad call to intercession is consistent with Jesus’ instruction for us to pray these words: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  When we intercede for all based on the Bible, we are praying for God’s reign in the lives of all.  In some ways, interceding for groups we are not close to portrays a selfless and sacrificial spirit.  No one portrayed a selfless and sacrificial spirit in prayer better than Jesus. An example is when He prayed, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” While praying, Jesus certainly knew the kingdom he prayed for came with the cross.  Yet, He persisted with selfless, sacrificial praying that sought the good of others, even if they did not deserve it. It is no surprise then than Jesus commands us as his disciples to pray for those who persecute us (see Matthew 5:44).  This selfless and sacrificial form of praying is the focus of Challenge # 5.

Challenge #5 – God’s Will 

For five days we will dedicate extra time to praying for others.  Our focus will be on groups that don’t typically come to mind when we are seeking God’s favor.  Each day (Monday through Friday), there will be a group assigned.  Our challenge is to pray for God’s will to be done in the lives of individuals in the selected group.  Our prayers should include a petition for the individuals to experience the love of God, accept God’s gift of salvation, and live in the comfort of God’s peace. 

• Monday – Social Outcasts (Think of individuals who because of their status or lifestyle are treated with scorn.  For example, undocumented immigrants and addicts.)

• Tuesday – Neighbors (Include people who live close to you. If you have neighbors you do not get along with, make sure they are on the list.)
  
• Wednesday – Enemies (Include individuals who you know oppose your welfare. For example, rivals at work and members of hate groups.)
  
• Thursday – The Invisible (Include individuals who are often overlooked.  For example, the elderly and the incarcerated.)
  
• Friday – Government (Include politicians in power and in opposition)

10 Tips to Consider

1. Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s power to help you find the right words.
2. Be as specific as possible with your requests.
3. Incorporate Scripture into your prayers.
4. Set aside specific time in your daily quiet time to pray for the selected group.
5. Pray in the moment also (e.g., if someone comes to mind).
6. Pray with others.
7. Create a prayer list for each category.
8. Select a day, or days for fasting.
9. Look out for opportunities to share the gospel with those you have prayed for.
10. Thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him.