Prayer for Our Communities

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. 2 Timothy 1-4

We can neglect prayer for our nation, our city and our neighbour and suffer the consequences. In my city there are frequent break ins by youth and some are quite violent towards animals, namely smaller dogs. They have stomped on the dogs to kill them. Their efforts are brazen and without compassion on humans or animals. I pray that God gives the police insight as to the robbers whereabout and that they are caught before they do too much damage. The robbers then get put in jail and then along comes the Christians to share Christ with them and I pray for their salvation.

As I drive I pray for the farmers and I pray for rain. When I see the politicians on the news rather than criticise them I endeavour to pray for wisdom and godliness.

We have eyes and ears and we need to use them to see and hear what God would have us see and hear, and pray.

Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer, His disciples witnessed Him praying and therefore asked Him how to pray. The Lord's Prayer was a format in how to pray, not a prayer to pray in parrot fashion. Jesus had compassion and prayed for the lost, those without a shepherd.

Our prayer life needs to be about more than us and what we want or our complaints. Our focus can be on the kingdom of God and His heart for our nation, city and neighbourhood. Let's pray!