First Baptist Church of Diana, Texas

The third key to praying powerfully is to be mindful of others when we pray. In Colossians 4:2-3, the Bible says not only to be devoted to prayer, but to also stay alert with an attitude of gratitude. Next Paul asks the Colossian church to pray for him and his cohort. Paul made no apology for this request but rather, connected the power of their prayers to his opportunity to preach the Gospel. Those of us in the ministry long for the undergirding of people interceding for us while we preach. While asking for prayers on his behalf, the apostle taught the principle of intercessory prayer and its importance in each of our lives. As we think about praying with a mind set on others, we can first think about the way it sets a posture for us to pray for others. Four attitudes can be considered that put us in the correct frame of mind to facilitate an agreement in with heaven in our heart that seems to unleash the power of heaven in our prayers.

1. In Philippians 1:3-7, the Bible says for us to pray joyfully for others. Here the Bible centers on two outcomes. a. He is joyful because they share in participation of the Gospel. b. He is joyful because he is trusting God to do a work in them.
2. In Romans 1:8, the Bible testifies of Paul’s example of thankfulness for others. a. He is thankful for their faith b. He is thankful for what God is doing their lives.
3. In Colossians 4:12-14, we see Epaphras labor in prayer for others. a. Epaphras prayed with a lot of effort – he toiled. b. Epaphras prayed in sincerity or earnestly.
4. In Matthew 9:34-36, we see Jesus’ concern for others. a. Weeping over the lostness of the people.

Praying for others who don’t know Christ opens up a vision of fellowship in the Gospel. When someone is far away from God and then comes near through salvation, the joy of fellowship we share is far and above other menial relationships. As I think back on those I have seen come to Christ over the years, I am reminded of how we rejoice together. If I can keep those memories etched in my mind as I pray for lost souls who are rebellious to God, to the things of God, and maybe even the people of God, I can then pray for them with joy based on faith that God will work in their lives.

Few events in this world bring more joy to the believer than when he sees God do a work in another person. If that person is family or friend the joy climbs even higher. Let us pray joyfully as we think of others.

Being truly thankful for people can especially change our attitudes in prayer. We are challenged to pray for our politicians if they are not the candidate that we voted to win. The test is if we can be thankful for their courage and even the things with which we agree. If I am thankful for my opposition in ideals or purpose, I can pray for them in a more meaningful way. To be ungrateful is a slap in the face of the Lord understanding it takes no more of God’s grace to forgive them than it did for each of us.

We are to labor in prayer as Epaphras labored for the Colossians. To labor surely means to exert energy as in work. It requires our minds, our spirits, and even our physical resources. Part of the labor we use to serve God is used up in praying for others. As I think about most labors, I remember that it requires concentration and most usually a knowledge or skill. Let us labor in prayer for others.

Jesus demonstrated his concern for others as He prayed for them and has he wept for them. His greatest demonstration was his death, burial, and resurrection. Stephen reflected this attribute of the Lord as he preached a martyrs message. Many were saved, but it cost Stephen his life. Paul reflected this same attribute of Christ as he prayed for his fellow Jews to be saved. Let us pray in a way that is concerned about others.

These four attitudes guard us from praying with vengeance against unbelievers and from developing a judgmental attitude. God save us from letting our own prejudice and judging hearts prevent us from praying in power.

Humans are prone to prejudice and judgmental hearts. Sometimes it is difficult for Christians to pray with joy, with thankfulness, with diligence in labor, and with deep concern for those who are caught in the devil’s snare of homosexuality, in pagan religions, or a host of other snares we may see as abomination. We must understand that while God does view some actions as abomination, His grace is sufficient for all sin.