Topical Bible: Judgments: Saints: Pray for Those Under

◄ Judgments: Saints: Pray for Those Under ►

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In the Christian tradition, the concept of judgment is multifaceted, encompassing divine judgment, human judgment, and the role of believers in interceding for others. One significant aspect of this is the call for saints—believers in Christ—to pray for those who are under judgment. This practice is rooted in the biblical mandate to love and support one another, as well as to seek God's mercy and intervention in the lives of others.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to pray for those who are experiencing judgment. In the Old Testament, intercessory prayer is a recurring theme. For instance, Abraham intercedes for Sodom, pleading with God to spare the city if righteous people can be found within it (Genesis 18:22-33). This narrative highlights the power and importance of intercessory prayer in seeking God's mercy.

In the New Testament, the call to pray for others is further emphasized. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently requests prayers for himself and others, demonstrating the communal nature of prayer among believers. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 , Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This passage underscores the importance of praying for all people, including those in positions of authority who may be under judgment.

Role of the Saints

The saints, as followers of Christ, are called to be intercessors, standing in the gap for those who are under judgment. This role is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse highlights the efficacy of the prayers of the righteous, suggesting that their intercession can lead to healing and restoration.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself serves as the ultimate example of intercession. In John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples and all future believers, asking for their protection and sanctification. This model of prayer demonstrates the heart of intercession—seeking God's will and blessing for others.

Practical Application

In practical terms, praying for those under judgment involves several key elements. First, it requires a heart of compassion and empathy, recognizing the struggles and challenges faced by others. Believers are called to approach God with humility, acknowledging their own need for grace and mercy.

Second, intercessory prayer should be specific and intentional. This means praying for particular individuals, situations, or communities that are experiencing judgment, whether it be due to sin, injustice, or other circumstances. By lifting these concerns to God, believers participate in His redemptive work in the world.

Finally, praying for those under judgment is an act of faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about transformation and renewal. It is an acknowledgment that, while human judgment is limited, God's judgment is perfect and His mercy is boundless.

Conclusion

The call for saints to pray for those under judgment is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by Christ Himself. Through intercessory prayer, believers engage in a powerful ministry that seeks God's intervention and grace in the lives of others, reflecting the love and compassion of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 32:11-13
And Moses sought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why does your wrath wax hot against your people, which you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 11:2
And the people cried to Moses; and when Moses prayed to the LORD, the fire was quenched.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 9:3
And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... world; but when death awakes them, how will their judgments be changed ... to seek the
Lord, I had now been blessed among the saints.". ... How earnestly would I pray! ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

The Essence of Prayer.
... same in the various spiritual conditions from which they pray. ... He is the Lord our
God, His judgments are in ... world and the demons; then the saints sing: "Thou ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxix the essence of prayer.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... [117] If he deferred the judgments all Ahab's ... are now in heaven most blessed and
glorious saints, committed in ... that of Abel (Hebrews 12 24;) and pray for those ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... of mind that reveals itself in harsh judgments, harsh sayings ... because He maketh
intercession for the saints according to ... that they had no heart to pray for the ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

Letter ccxx. (AD 427. )
... employs their malice to inflict temporal judgments on others ... For the saints gain
their victories over enemies whom ... all means conjugal chastity, and pray to God ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxx a d 427.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... God's judgments make us fear Him, His mercies make us love Him. ... "I pray that thou ...
We live in the world as in a pest house; Christ prays that His saints may not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... and had lost none of them, he proceeds to pray, that now ... God; and that from the fact
that the judgments of God ... the fact of the fall and ruin of real saints. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... They had forgotten to pray until then ... of opposition has burst forth against the saints,
the heart ... out thoroughly again, it would bring on judgments terrible to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all ... Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to ... we know not what we should pray for as we ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... serve them." [3471] Watch therefore, and pray, that ye ... nature, and unsearchable in
Thy judgments; whose life ... Christ, and His Various Providence to the Saints. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm