Goal For The New Year: Pray For Others

Goal for the New Year: Pray for Others

Q: Finish the verse: “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, _____.”

• a. I pray with enduring hope
• b. I make my requests for all of you with joy
• c. I pray for all the missionaries among you

The early Christians believed in prayer. Because they prayed in faith, they saw the sick healed, the lame walk, and the apostles freed from prison. They were also able to endure hardship and even death. As Stephen died, he prayed for the very people who were stoning him (see the October 27 devotion).

Many of Paul’s letters to the early churches tell them that he’s praying for them. Romans 1:9 is an example of that. Paul said, “God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.”

The early believers had the right idea about prayer. They prayed throughout the day, and it was as natural as breathing to them. God wants us to pray in the same way. It should be a normal part of our day.

If you aren’t used to praying, there are many ways to get started. You might want to keep a list of people who need prayer. Then divide the list into days of the week. Perhaps you could pray for all the church leaders on Sunday, the government leaders on Monday, missionaries on Tuesday, school teachers and staff on Wednesday, and so on. You could pray for those who are sick or have immediate needs every day.

Or perhaps you could pray when you switch subjects at school or at homeschool. It doesn’t really matter how you remember to pray. The important thing is that you take time to pray for yourself and others every day. And don’t forget to thank God for the things he’s already done for you.

For You

Think of five people who need your prayers. Pray for them today.

Answer: b

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.   Philippians 1:3-4

(The Whole Story: Philippians 1:3-6)