From The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross:
"The first of the seven cross sayings of our Lord presents Him in the the attitude of prayer. He opens his public ministry with prayer and now he closes it with prayer. (Luke 3:21, 23:34)
"In praying for His enemies(Luke23:34), not only did Christ set before us a perfect example of how we should treat those who wrong and hate us, but He also taught us never to regard any as beyond the reach of prayer. If Christ prayed for His murderers, then surely we have encouragement to pray for the very chief of sinners. Never lose hope."
Are you praying for someone that seems hopeless? Beyond the reach of God's mercy and grace? You've prayed so long you feel all hope is lost? Remember the cross where Christ prayed for his enemies, where He leaves us an example that no one, family, friend or foe, is beyond the reach of prayer. Keep praying.
2 comments:
Thank you for this reminder Jody. I'm praying for several people, and have come to a point of almost total discouragement. It seems that no matter how many times God obviously manifests Himself, it falls on a stubborn or hardened heart. Admittedly, I weary of praying repeatedly for so long and from so many different angles. But it is not up to me what they decide. So I continue to petition God. Please pray that I can do so with a right heart, void of frustration and despair. ~~~Naomi~~~
Thanks Jody! It's difficult to keep this in mind after so many prayers for lost family members. But God does everything in his perfect timing and we need to continue to trust in Him!
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