Praying For Others

It's enthralling that Daniel prays for the city of Jerusalem. What is astonishing about this prayer is that it was not about Daniel. Even though Daniel had a lot of things he could have focused on for himself, he was still in exile after all, under the rule of a foreign nation, he prayed outward prayers for Jerusalem.

While he was reading the scriptures, his heart was awakened to the promise of the Hebrew people, and he went upstairs to pray. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray for your family, friends, those at your work, school, and others around you, be obedient to that prompting and pray.

Daniel prayed for another nation, knowing that God is the God over all the nations. He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)

The Bible calls us to pray for the nations:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14

these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.
- Isaiah 56:7

We are called to pray for those around us, including our enemies.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
- Ephesians 6:18

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you.
- Matthew 5:44

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
- 1 Timothy 2:1

In a society that tells us “it is all about us”, we are called to be like Daniel and pray for others. Daniel prayed for Jerusalem to be restored knowing that he would never return to Jerusalem himself. What is God asking you to pray for others that you yourself may never receive?

Prayer for today

Father, I thank you that you are over all the nations and people. I thank you, Lord, that you have called us to partner with you in prayer, not just for our family and friends but for our enemies and those who persecute us. Give us a heart of prayer that prays for others.