Of course, the short answer to this question is - EVERYONE! If you read my blog yesterday, you probably already know that you need to focus your answer a little bit.
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Everyone is made in the image of God. Why is this important, you ask? Because often, how we pray for someone or "if" we pray for them can be skewed.
I've heard people say, "I'm not praying for that person!" Sometimes it is out of anger, unforgiveness, or hopelessness. Other times, the person is so offensive to them, praying for them is painful. But in the end, it doesn't matter because all God sees is someone created in His image. He loves them and wants them to give their heart and life over to Him.
Sometimes people will say, "Fine, someone else can pray for them." True, but you desire to be submissive to God's will. If you know of a need, then you're responsible to pray.
Pray for people who don't know Jesus - yet. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them of their sins. Pray that someone will give them the Good News about Jesus in such a way that they will understand and accept it. (Maybe that's you.) Pray that you will be an excellent example of what a follower of Jesus is in their life.
Pray for leaders. Leadership is a big thing in the Bible. We know that all authority comes from God, but it is up to those leaders to use it in such a way as to honor Him. Pray for governmental leaders of our nation, state, and local communities. Pray for Pastoral leaders who oversee your spiritual growth. Pray for those who serve in authority and put their life on the line every day for our protection.
Pray for your family, your spouse and your kids and your extended family. Pray that God will bless them with life and hope. Pray that you will be a great spiritual leader to your family.
Pray for needs as they present themselves. Pray for people who are sick and need healing. Pray for emergencies that affect peoples lives. Even catastrophic ones that happen around the globe.
Pray for your church, and it's ministries and services. Always prepare your heart for what God is going to do in your life and the lives of others.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, please help me to pray for others with the passion that You would pray for them. AMEN
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