Praying for Your Loved Ones Without Pushing Them Away
CBN.com My friend was not a Christian. In the past, she had pushed away all efforts to talk about the love of God. She respected my beliefs but didn't want any part of them. Now she was in a crucial time in her life and I didn't know how to pray for her without offense.
I went home that day and searched the Bible for direction. I wanted specific answers. As I studied, the stories of Jesus praying for others leaped from the page. He offered prayer for the sick, the demonized and to those who had lost their way. When Christ prayed it went beyond mere words. His ministry of prayer impacted the lives of those for whom he prayed. As I read each story, I saw key principles in his approach that would help me to pray for my friend and for my unsaved loved ones.
He Prayed Without Condemnation: John 8:11
Jesus approached the lost without condemnation. He didn't condone the sin, but saw beyond the sin to the need in each person's life. The adulterous woman knew where to find judgment, but what she needed was forgiveness and restitution.
My friend had condemned herself more harshly than anyone. She needed to know that someone believed in her. She needed to know that Christ could forgive her and put her life back together.
He Reached Across Boundaries: Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus crossed cultural boundaries when he reached out to Matthew. He didn't see Matthew as a despised tax collector, but rather as a prospective follower. By going to eat with Matthew, Jesus was able to share the good news.
Though my friend was an unbeliever, I shifted my focus to see her as a prospective child of God. It colored my entire perspective. I no longer saw the mess, but the hope of what could be.
He Assured Them of Their Worth: John 4:5-9
Jesus surprised the Samaritan woman. The woman asked him, "How can you ask me for a drink?" She knew who he was and she knew her station in life. Not only was she a woman, but a Samaritan. Jesus offered her a gift when he asked her for a drink. He showed her that she had something valuable to offer Him. What came from her was not soiled or dirty, but rather a ministry to his tired body.
My friend needed to know that she had much to offer me as well. I wasn't there to rescue her, but because she was my friend. She was of value not only to me, but to God.
He Met the Physical, as Well as the Spiritual Needs - Matthew 15:32
Sometimes the hungry need food in order to hear the message that Jesus cares for them. We often pray for the spiritual but overlook the physical. My friend was tired and hurting. Though my desire was to pray for her, physical ministry was just as powerful and an open door for prayer.
He Took Time to Listen: Mark 5:25-34
Jesus stopped everything to speak to the sick woman. He took time to listen to her story even though a crowd waited for him. Though my life is busy, my friend is just as important to me as the women or teens I speak to at conferences or the readers of my books. In fact, she was more important at that moment simply because she was my friend.
He Prayed Even When It Seemed Impossible - Mark 1:29-31
Jesus didn't give up because of tough circumstances. To be honest, my friend's situation seemed overwhelming, but I serve a God that holds the universe in his hands. Though she didn't believe in the power of God, I know Him. I can believe and pray based upon my relationship with and knowledge of an amazing Savior.
Jesus Comforted and Gave Hope - John 11:1-12
Jesus acknowledged the sorrow of those who needed comfort without sinking into the depths of their pain. My friend needed someone to acknowledge her pain, but also to see a God who comforts and restores the brokenhearted.
As I put down the Bible, I couldn't wait to talk to my friend again. I saw her situation through new eyes. Through the blueprint of the gospels, I had seen Jesus reach out to fisherman, tax collectors, adulterers, the demon possessed, sick, old, young, rich and poor. He looked right into the heart of each person and their life was radically changed as he prayed for their needs. Though my friend was in a tough place, no person becomes a child of God without coming to Him just as they are. My part was to reach out to her in compassion and prayer in a way that God would touch her life -- and she would be prepared to receive it.
T. Suzanne Eller is a conference speaker, freelance writer and author of "Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life". She can be reached at tseller@daretobelieve.org or http://daretobelieve.org.
