Can a christian pray for people from other religion ?
I am a christian and I am wondering whether can I pray for people that come from other religion like Buddhist or Muslim.Maybe my question is stupid but I need a good answer.Thanks a lot :D
THE BATTLE AXE: Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013)— (4.) All that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2nd Timothy 3: 12-13, KJV). Prophecy through the apostles of the early church describe hardness of heart and the process of opposition to Jesus and the Gospel as one that will continue until its final destruction through the completion of divine judgment. Persecution appears where government authority, legislation, and physical force—by Satan and those within the hierarchy of heaven as well as within nations of the earth—are used to attack and suppress the sacred message, its followers, and those who foster its spread. Oppression by those in government is only one form of the denial and rejection believers should be prepared to encounter. Political and social movements as well as fashion and trends in popular culture will operate as barriers to those seeking to enter the kingdom of GOD. Heresy and false messages will be eagerly embraced by believers who do not obey the Lord’s command to “watch and pray.” Such are open and vulnerable from lack of prayer, and from repeatedly refusing study to internalize the plain teachings of Scripture. Conviction for those who desire an easy way to GOD will be frustrated and overturned by doubt and unbelief, where they instead should be firmly rooted through the sure promises and prophesies provided by the ministries of Jesus. Familiarity that gives sin the appearance of normalcy, reality, and truth will not be resisted from within themselves, for it will appear consistent with ones own true feelings and understandings. Only by rebirth do created beings and living creatures escape the process whereby ones heart becomes “dead in sin” and completely closed to the divine provisions (see 2nd Timothy 3: 1-8, 1st Thessalonians 3: 3-4, 1st Peter 5: 6-11, and 1st Peter 4: 12-19, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2nd John 1: 9-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Unanswered Prayer? (09/11/2012); When You Pray (09/12/2012)
Joshua, most Christian believers experience a similar concern in the course of their learning and growing through Christ. Here are a few points based upon Scripture you may find helpful:
(1.) Prayers are spirit, thought and utterance directed to GOD, that may be offered aloud or silently. Movement also is an aspect of prayer, and so there may be bowing, folding or uplifting ones hands, kneeling, and other gestures. As intimate and private communication, prayer allows believers to discover aspects of their own character and personality as well as to affirm the operation and presence of GOD as he has become revealed to them. The laws and rules for prayer, therefore, center in maintaining awareness of personal relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, and are chosen or put into place as limits through the practice of each believer. As for any fruitful relationship, there are basic demands for absolute honesty, respect, trust, and truth. However, a believer is free to acknowledge and expose as much or as little of themselves as their needs and understanding permit. How long or how often one prays may vary, just as the topics and subjects discussed may range.
(2.) We are free to commend, make requests (we say, intercede, petition), and speak in a general way about others in prayer. However, fervent and persisting prayer (importuning) will demand detailed knowledge of their peculiar situation. More challenging than speaking for ourselves is the prayer wherein we speak as if we are another person. Through compassion and empathy, we “put ourselves in their place,” so to speak, and we then say to GOD what we understand to be appropriate. Thus, were we to pray as prophets and spokespersons before GOD for those struggling to recover from the recent typhoon in Philippines, we might speak of our pain and uncertainty for still missing loved ones, our concern for rebuilding our homes and families, our need for strength to continue despite the lack of food, medicine, water, or true knowledge and correct information.
There is far more to be said, properly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (3.) Because our lives are connected before GOD, and we are one Creation before him, the benefit to one aspect of mankind should be a benefit to all. Yet, like a farmer only goes forth to plant seed in the field where the rocks are removed, and the ground has been plowed and prepared, believers are cautioned to not bestow inordinate focus upon those who reject their ministrations. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7: 6, KJV), cautions one to assess their place with others carefully, and not to presume that all are willing to receive from GOD with genuine gratitude.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment