Bring on the Rain: A Call to Pray

A Call to Pray

Written by Serendipitymom12

I have been struggling with a heavy burden in my soul to the point that I feel depressed. This is so strange to me how affected I have been and I am not even sure what the cause is! I just felt so heavy in my soul. I noticed that several of my good friends have been struggling with the same thing.

Last night, I sought out the Lord and asked him the reason why this was happening. Suddendly, words formed in my mind without me thinking of these things and it made sense. I believe the answer from the Lord is that I was given a glimpse of God's pain for someone and he has given me the burden to pray for someone in particular. I finally understood and then my heaviness was lifted as soon as I prayed for this person. I will continue to do so for the Lord.

The Bible commands us to pray for our enemies and to love them. That is a hard challenge and it requires a heart transformation. The Lord is able to do this when we are willing and seek his help in this matter.

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy."But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

Are you facing persecution from someone? Pray for them.

As for me, I feel ashamed that the Lord had to drag me over to pray for this person. I have been terribly stubborn about it. I will change this now.

6 Comments:

Krystal said...
December 8, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Don't walk in condemnation... It's so easy to just wish bad things on people who have hurt you. I think we've all done that, haven't we?!?!

Praying for someone who has hurt you, though, positions your heart for forgiveness. Because in order to sincerely pray for someone, your heart has to be tender toward them to at least some degree.

I admire your strength.

Anonymous said...
December 8, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Believe me when I say I know. I spent time crying this week, rightfully so, but also being angry. I think the Lord, after several other posts on prayer, is telling me what you've just written. Thank you.

Sisterlisa said...
December 8, 2008 at 10:50 PM
awww Charlene, I think I know who you are writing about. You are a very tender hearted person. You are right to pray for that person. God will bless you for it.

Same to you Miss Jocelyn. It's easy to pray for those who love us, but to pray for someone who hates us is genuine Christ-like love.

Judy said...
December 9, 2008 at 6:44 AM
You obviously have a heart that wants to follow God.Thanks for reminding us to pray for those who have hurt us.I guess we always need to remind ourselves we'd want others to forgive us if we did something thoughtless that hurt them.

LisaShaw said...
December 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Charlene, I had missed this message as I wasn't online for a few days but I want to encourage you that the Lord knows your dear heart. Don't permit the enemy to cause you to feel condemned. Even in the discipline of our Lord it's meant for our good and is done purely out of His love. Take it as a wonderful lesson from the Holy Spirit to pray for those who persecute.

It took me years to learn that lesson and then to actually do it. The more you do the easier it becomes because you'll realize that it FREES YOU and it open your heart for God to work in you and it also brings about changes in the heart and life of that other person.

I was abused in my child hood and it was very difficult to pray for both the person who did the abuse for many years and for the one who, once they knew about it remained with the person and did not stand up for me. I grew up with so many insecurities and fears and the thought of praying for both of those people was very hard for me but over time I learned how and why. Sadly they have not changed YET. They are still very heart-hardened and prideful people who say they are Christians but sadly have only had religion and as such they have never taken any responsibility for anything BUT I still pray for them with a genuine heart to see their hearts changed in Christ and O what I glorious day that will be! Praise the Lord!

Sisterlisa said...
December 12, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Lisa, Thank you for being an encouragement to my dear friend Charlene. I know I can always count on you for uplifting.