In the 1980s, some of us were snapping our fingers and bopping to the music as we sang along with Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” Some of us also found ourselves in questionable relationships at the time of the song’s release in much of the same way as the American singer and performing artist, and we delighted with attitude in waiting for an answer we already knew by singing the “Ooh ooh ooh yeah” part of the song. I thought about this melody when contemplating a title for this blog, and it seemed to be the perfect substitutionary fit for conveying this intercessory prayer message: “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?” Let's melodiously ponder that question together as we consider each one of the following inquiries.
Who have we prayed for outside of our own immediate family and circle of acquaintances and friends? Have we prayed for those who we see and have heard are suffering but do not know? Have we prayed for those who are entrapped by hate and blinded by evil? Have we prayed for their souls? “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?”
Have we prayed for Christian ministers all over the world who are evangelizing, teaching and preaching the Word of God in the name of our risen Savior, JESUS CHRIST, and not just for our own church congregation and missionaries? Have we prayed for any one of the folks we see or read about in the media who are clearly suffering because of their worldly lifestyle, and we know their end if they continue in sin and not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?”
Have we prayed for our current U.S. President who said, as a candidate, in his 2015 interview with Anderson Cooper that he doesn't see a need to repent or ask for forgiveness because he doesn't do anything wrong, and he "tries not to make a mistake" and therefore does not have to repent. Have we prayed that he - who claims to be a Christian - comes into the full knowledge of the truth regardless of our personal opinions about him? “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?”
Have we prayed for Christian ministers all over the world who are evangelizing, teaching and preaching the Word of God in the name of our risen Savior, JESUS CHRIST, and not just for our own church congregation and missionaries? Have we prayed for any one of the folks we see or read about in the media who are clearly suffering because of their worldly lifestyle, and we know their end if they continue in sin and not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?”
Have we prayed for our current U.S. President who said, as a candidate, in his 2015 interview with Anderson Cooper that he doesn't see a need to repent or ask for forgiveness because he doesn't do anything wrong, and he "tries not to make a mistake" and therefore does not have to repent. Have we prayed that he - who claims to be a Christian - comes into the full knowledge of the truth regardless of our personal opinions about him? “Who have you prayed for lately? Prayed, prayed, prayed for?”
1 Timothy 2:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Pray for All Men
2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
|
1 Timothy 2:1-3 Amplified Bible (AMP)
A Call to Prayer
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
|
1 Timothy 2:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
Instructions on Worship
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
|