Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1
I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how we pray for unbelievers - similar to yesterday where John Piper sought to help us see what kind of prayer pleases God. Piper looks at Romans 10, where Paul - a Jew - seeks to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Israelite nation. He points out that Paul does not pray for "ineffectual influences, but for effectual influences," and that we should pray as such. Effectual influences are described (not exhaustively - see also this post) as promises of God and examples from scripture provided by Piper include:
- God, take out of their flesh the heart of stone and give them a new heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)
- Circumcise their heart so that they love you! (Deuteronomy 30:6)
- Father, put your Spirit within them and cause them to walk in your statutes. (Ezekiel 36:27)
- Grant them repentance and a knowledge of the truth that they may escape from the snare of the devil. (2 Timothy 2:25–26)
- Open their hearts so that they believe the gospel! (Acts 16:14)
The implication here is that while we can pray for positive earthly influences for unbelievers (a gospel-centered church, Godly friends and disciple-makers, etc.), there is no substitute for God in how He is sovereign and provident over election and salvation.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are so good and You saved me - pursuing me and giving me a new heart of flesh - that I can desire and seek You. Thank You Jesus! Amazing grace - of course I am not deserving. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior - circumcise their heart so that they love you! Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
