I was teaching this week on prayer and the priority we need to have for prayer in our lives, as well as, the persistence we need in prayer.  I remember reading (years ago) about George Mueller, whom some dubbed “The Apostle of Prayer” for his work for orphans in 19th century Britain, and how he prayed for years (twenty-five, I think) for five of his friends to be saved.  Three were saved prior to his death, one was saved at his funeral, and the final one was saved five years after his death.  Mueller never gave up his faith and constant prayers for them.  

Last week, I read about Dimitri a prisoner for his faith during the Communist years in Russia.  His family prayed for seventeen years for his release.  Then after amazing acts by God and without explanation after, he was finally released.  How we need to persist in our prayers.  

I remember last week in our study about Samuel who, after God told him he was taking the kingdom from Saul’s hand because of his disobedience, prayed all night for Saul.  All night!  And I thought, “When was the last time that I prayed all night for someone because their lack of faith or disobedience? Have I ever been so burdened in my heart for someone that I could not sleep? No. I don’t remember ever having that much love and concern for someone to know and follow Jesus. God help me love as He does. 

I know we need to pray for those who are in need of physical healing and health.  The Bible is clear on that and to have them on a church prayer list is right and good.  However, I wonder whether we shouldn’t also have a prayer list for those family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others we are concerned about spiritually.  It seems corporate prayer for them might also be necessary.  God surely is just as interested (if not more so) in healing persons spiritually as He is physically.   

Paul wrote:  “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

What do you think?