Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
There was a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985 that was titled “We Are The World”. The chorus said “We are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving. There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives, It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me”.
We are inclined to want to talk to God about the people and situations we know, it enables us to pray specifically. Although this is true, it is important that we step outside our comfort zone and pray for people everywhere. What would it look like if we prayed for the world according to these lyrics, and the Scripture? I don’t believe we would have a problem praying for what is US.
We live in a world where situations and events unfold that require us to come before God in prayer – to petition and plea and intercede on behalf of others. It takes compassion, persistence, and intentional prayer to reach the heart of God and benefit every people and nation.
If you are wondering whether you should pray for everyone, Jesus was our example when He said these words:
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. . . . Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:44-45, 48
He says praying for people outside the church and around the world is part of what defines us as children of God. We would hope that those who hate us and spitefully use us are not fellow church members or converted believers, yet our Savior commands us to pray for them This is possibly the clearest passage on this topic!
While we are on the subject of Jesus being our example, while He hung on the cross, He practiced what He preached, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” – Luke 23:34. What is a clearer example than this?
There are ways that we can take part in changing lives around the globe through prayer. Here are some tips for embracing the world God loves in our prayer time.
- Pray around the world alphabetically
- Pray for countries seen on the news
- Pray throughout the day, whenever you hear or think about another country in peril.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, while our world seems to be crumbling, You remain the same, a loving, defending, and protecting Father. Within the rebellion and destruction, You reach down to restore us to the light of Your presence through Jesus our Lord. Motivate us by your love to diligently pray for our world, allowing us to gather souls for Christ. Show us our place and how we should pray, Father, and encourage us to obey the direction You have for us. For it’s in Jesus’ name, we pray – Amen!
