Praying for People
I am convinced that it is the most difficult prayer to be answered.
Our ministry has been seated, for nearly 20 years, at the table of prayer. Answered prayer, as evidence of God's present activity in the World, has been our main course. We have received hundreds of answers to our petitions. They have ranged from provisions of income to buildings and grounds. Many have come at the 'last moment' and in dramatic style--arriving when (or after) we'd reached our rope's end. All have provided undeniable proof that God is still at work in the lives of those of us living on the Earth. Yet, some prayers, I must admit, seem to be difficult for Him to deliver.
Though all things are possible for God, and though He does maneuver events and circumstances toward His desired ends, God will not force upon man any decision-- especially regarding a man's decision to obey Him or not. This caveat makes prayers for people's salvation especially difficult.
Prayer for things, for supplies, even for health are delivered much more often than prayer for a heart to repent. Though we do see regular incidents of people's eyes being opened to Truth (Ephesians 1:15-23), we do not as often see repentance--true repentance. Often we witness sorrow and regrets (worldly sorrow), but not often do we see a true and fundamental course change associated with it (godly sorrow) --2 Corinthians 7:10.
Why so many answered prayers in one area --and to a large degree the area that would seem to be the least important-- and so few in another? Why do answers to request for material things given often while requests for spiritual matters are rare? I have a theory.
I would offer that the difference resides in the reality that people have freedom--people have a will. Plants, animals, dollars, buildings, and even diseases have no free will. They simply obey the will of God; man, however, is not so tame. Therefore, he can choose to reject the will of God. This means that God may organize circumstances (humbling a man or blessing him) so to lead him to the door of repentance. Yet, a man may decide not to enter.
So, for you who pray about the lost. To those who day after day petition for loved ones living apart from fellowship with the Creator, I have a word. To you I plead, "Never give up." It is not as though your prayers are unanswered--far, far from it! It is that your prayers are answered, and in more ways than you or I can know. God moves quickly and powerfully -precisely because these requests are chief on His list-- to arrange circumstances (a billion-billion of them) within the realm of the free will of all men (which is incomprehensibly complicated, if you think about it) to bring individuals and even nations to the brink of repentance.
Disaster, dead ended dreams, broken hearts, breakdowns, and even illness are often the tools He employs to lovingly lead us to the brink of repentance--the doorway of a great salvation. Yet, many walk away or stand blindly in its presence.
What then? What when they reject or squander their opportunity? We pray again, and God begins again to direct the affairs of all life toward another day and another chance at a right decision. Therefore, heed the words of the Master Pray-er..."Pray, and never give up." Luke 18:1
