1 Timothy 2:1
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men . . .”

The Christian life is one that does not focus on self, but rather it focuses on others. God desires that we look out for the needs of others in any way we can. Some may feel they can’t do anything for others. I know I’m tempted to feel this way at times.

Once a month, my church has lunch together. I watch the women serve the meal and I watch the men clean up the room after the meal. I sit in my wheelchair feeling useless that I can’t help in some way. I thank God that a dear brother reminded me recently that I do much for others through my devotional writing. But even if I didn’t write devotionals, there’s still one thing I can do for others. I can pray for them.

God calls every single Christian to the ministry of prayer. And, thankfully, we all have the ability to pray. No special skills or training are needed. All that we need is a willingness to talk to God. And, indeed, many of us are willing to talk to God, but often all we want to talk to him about our own personal needs. Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t talk to God about personal needs. But God tells us to pray for “all men.”

Oh, it’s easy to pray for some people. We could all probably pray for those dear to us . . . the loving spouse, the sweet children, the cherished grandmother. We should pray for those dear to us, but if they are the only people we pray for, then we have not gone far enough.

Will we truly pray for all people? Will we pray for the father that turned his back on his family? Will we pray for the woman who drowned her five children? Will we pray for the politician who votes for abortion rights? Will we pray for those who have cheated us? Will we pray for those who hate us? Will we pray for the bill collector? Will we pray for the letter carrier who always brings our mail late?

Simply put, will we pray for all people?