Sexagesima

Praying for Everyone

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we prepare for the season of Lent, it’s time for us to refocus our lives on prayer. St. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)

Did you notice that Paul tells his students that prayer is to be made on behalf of and for all people?

This is hard, isn’t it? Naturally, we don’t want to pray for our enemies. We don’t want to pray for those who don’t pray for us. Or, in some instances, we don’t want to pray.

However, what is “prayer?” It’s a supplication made to God on behalf of another or yourself.

But do you know what? There is joy in prayer, no matter how difficult the situation or the person you are called to pray for, because of who hears and prays for you. Paul goes on to instruct Timothy, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

It is Jesus who hears your prayers and then prays for you. And for this reason, when you p[pray, you are entrusting the needs, concerns, and people of life to Christ and saying, “God, Your will be done!”

It is comforting to entrust the people and needs of life to Christ Jesus, no matter how difficult the situation or person is.

As we prepare for Lent, contemplate how you might have a greater discipline of prayer in your life.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Rogness