PRAYING SELFLESSLY
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).
Isn’t it our human nature to be selfish? You don’t need to teach a toddler to know the word “mine”! Being selfless is defined as being concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own. Praying selflessly means directing prayers towards the needs and well-being of others, rather than focusing solely on personal desires. The Bible is full of many great examples:
Abraham interceding for Sodom & Gomorrah: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23-33)
Job after his friends accused him of sin: “And the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:9,10)
Ruth, on Naomi’s request to leave her: “May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:9)
Stephen before the religious leaders stoned him: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)
Paul for others: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1)
Jesus in the garden before his suffering and death: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Of course, as God, Jesus is our best model. You can also check out John 17:6-19, one of my favorite passages in scripture where Jesus prays for his disciples and future believers—us—in John 17:20-25. Reflecting on Jesus’ selfless life and His sacrifice can inspire us to live selflessly:
In humility: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6)
In serving: "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26)
In forgiving: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
In loving "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment." (Philippians 1:9)
Prayer is one way we can do this, as Christ transforms our hearts and places us face to face with our Heavenly Father. This is especially true and even more important when we pray for unbelievers! God can use you and me and our circumstances to draw others to Him.
Andrew, Wendy, and our Palau team are constantly going behind enemy lines as they sacrificially serve and love the least of these in proclaiming the Gospel globally; both personally and digitally. Won’t you selflessly give up an hour of your time to join me, July 22nd, in prayer and thanksgiving for where they’ve recently gone (Germany and Albania) and where they are going (Reno, Nevada and Rosario, Argentina) and beyond!
In Selfless Prayer,
Gail Stockamp
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (1 Peter 3:8).
PRAYER REPORT
PRAYER CALL
Join us for a special time of prayer on July 22 at 9 a.m. (PT).
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Meeting ID: 826 0324 7104
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