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There are two verses that focus my thoughts and heart as I begin to pray for people that I love who do not have a savor. I want to be reminded that they are:
"those separated from Christ, who have no hope and without God in this world." Eph. 2:12
"those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our LORD will suffer punishment of eternal desruction away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." 2 Thes. 1:8,9
This is so very sobering. It definitely keeps me from mouthing trite words in prayer.
Here are some of the scriptures I have turned into prayers:
Col 1:13 - “Deliver them from the domain of darkness. Make them citizens of your sons’ kingdom.”
Romans 2:4 - “Please forbear and be patient with them and kindly lead them to repent.”
Daniel 4:34-37 - “Humble them so that they might praise you.”
Hab 3:2 - “Make your work known to them, and In your wrath, remember mercy!”
2 Tim. 2:25, 26 - "Grant them repentence. Lead them to truth that they may come to their sense and escape the snare of the devil."
I have also written out some scriture truths on pg. 61 in this section because I often need to be reminded of these when my heart is weighed down with the eternal consequences of the unbelief of my loved ones. I do not want my sentimentality to blur the just wrath of God*. I also want reminders of God's wisdom and mercy.
Prayers are "good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. 2:1-4
"You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and relenting from disaster. . . . 'Should I not pity those who do not know their right hand from their left?'" Jonah 4:2,11
"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Gen. 18:25
"There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways . . . . For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just." Rev. 19:1,2
Yesterday was Good Friday. When meditating on the crucifixion of Jesus, we are reminded of the wrath of God against sin and the mercy of God shown to us.
We sang "How Deep the Father's Love for Us"
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
*J.I. Packer summarizes: “God’s wrath in the Bible is never the capricious, self-indulgent, irritable, morally ignoble thing that human anger so often is. It is, instead, a right and necessary reaction to objective moral evil” (Knowing God, 151).
Journal Resource: Thoughts on Prayers for Unbelievers