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Praying for the Lost

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Berean, May 7, 2009.

  1. Berean

    Berean Member
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    I was reading in the book of John (Jn 17:9) where Jesus said "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou has given me, for they are mine". Is there scripture where we are commanded to pray for the lost or is this tradition or an implied commandment.
     
  2. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    I believe that Jesus is praying specifically for His disciples at this time. He is not excluding the world and refusing them intercession. Instead, He is singling out His disciples and making intercession for them.

    Remember, Jesus said while on the cross, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." Those were lost people that He was praying for.

    And Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 that we are to make intercession for all people.

    And Isaiah 53:12, in the beautiful picture of the Suffering Servant, God says, "I will divide for him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death; and he was counted with the transgressors and he bore the sins of many and made intercession for the transgressors."

    How can we love our neighbors as ourselves and not pray over their spiritual conditions? How can we love our enemies and do good to them who use us if we do not pray for them?

    I think we should definitely follow Jesus' example and pray for specific believers who need special prayer and to pray and make intercession for the lost.
     
  3. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Here is the answer: Paul, writing in Romans 10:1

    "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved."
     
  4. Jedi Knight

    Jedi Knight Well-Known Member
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    "I believe that Jesus is praying specifically for His disciples at this time" Agree!
     
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