Who do you know that doesn’t pray? Who do you love that doesn’t pray? How do you pray for those who don’t? The Book of Romans has been called the “Gospel According to Paul.” It is his treatment of what the gospel is and what the gospel does and how we are to approach it and spread it. As part of this great book, Paul spends some time talking about praying for those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Check out the following passages and observe Paul’s burden for those he holds near his heart:
“With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them” (Romans 9:1-3, NLT).
“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved” (Romans 10:1, NLT).
Paul’s prayer for his fellow Israelites was passionate and vulnerable. It was hopeful and optimistic. He doesn’t condemn them, neither does he judge them. It is hard to imagine loving someone so much that you would be willing to take their place in hell if that would mean they would discover the righteousness that is provided through Christ.
What follows in Romans chapter 10 is an explanation of the righteousness of God and Paul’s description of the “never to be embarrassed faith” that one can find in Christ. Throughout this week I want to unpack Paul’s challenge for us to pray for people who have yet to discover God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
Thank you for posting this. I have a niece and nephew(22 and 19) who just lost their father(my younger brother) in May. My brother was saved because I witnessed to him and his wife and they were baptized in our church. I am so glad that he was receptive to hearing what I told him because I now know he is in heaven with our Father and Jesus. But neither of his children have been saved and I have a heavy burden for them. I pray for them and that God will give me the words and receptive hearts on their part to save them. I used to bring Kim to VBS and my home Bible studies but their mother has turned away from God and she has influenced them in a negative way about church. Please keep me in your prayers and Kim and Robbie also. I will never give up.