Topical Bible: The Heathen: Pray For

◄ The Heathen: Pray For ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "heathen" generally refers to nations or individuals who do not worship the God of Israel and are outside the covenant community. The Bible provides numerous references and instructions regarding the relationship between God's people and the heathen, including the call to pray for them.

Biblical Mandate to Pray for the Heathen

The call to pray for the heathen is rooted in the overarching biblical narrative of God's desire for all nations to come to the knowledge of Him. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Prayer is a fundamental aspect of this mission, as it aligns the hearts of believers with God's redemptive purposes for the world.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the inclusion of the heathen in God's plan. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that "all the families of the earth will be blessed" through him. This blessing is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, but it also sets a precedent for the inclusion of the heathen in God's salvific plan.

The Psalms frequently express a vision for the nations to worship the Lord. Psalm 67:1-2 states, "May God be gracious to us and bless us... that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." This prayer reflects a desire for the heathen to experience God's salvation.

New Testament Instructions

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of prayer for all people, including the heathen. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 , Paul urges that "petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone... This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This passage underscores the universal scope of God's salvific will and the role of prayer in achieving it.

Jesus Himself exemplifies this attitude in His ministry. In Luke 23:34 , as He is being crucified, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." His prayer for those who were outside the covenant community demonstrates the love and compassion that should characterize the prayers of His followers.

The Role of the Church

The early church understood the importance of praying for the heathen as part of their mission. The book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles and early Christians prayed for boldness and guidance in their efforts to reach the Gentiles (Acts 4:29-31). Their prayers were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, praying for the heathen involves interceding for those who have not yet come to faith in Christ. It includes asking God to open their hearts to the Gospel, to raise up missionaries and evangelists, and to grant wisdom and courage to those who are actively sharing the message of salvation.

Praying for the heathen also involves seeking God's justice and mercy in the world, asking for peace and reconciliation among nations, and praying for leaders and governments to act in ways that allow the Gospel to flourish.

In summary, the biblical call to pray for the heathen is an integral part of the Christian mission, reflecting God's heart for all people to know Him and experience His salvation. Through prayer, believers participate in God's redemptive work, trusting that He desires all to come to repentance and faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 67:2-5
That your way may be known on earth, your saving health among all nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twentieth Day for God's Spirit on the Heathen
... TWENTIETH DAY For God's Spirit on the Heathen. WHAT TO PRAY."For God's Spirit on
the Heathen ... Pray for the heathen, who are yet without the word. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/twentieth day for gods spirit.htm

"The Heritage of the Heathen"
... "And that, dear children, is the heritage of the heathen. ... them from one of their
sins, and the more they go to the Sacrament, and the more they pray, and the ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xvii the heritage of.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... Let us inquire, then, Do we pray for the heathen as much as we ought? Were
one duly impressed with the condition of perishing millions ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen
... <. The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen Arnobius. ... 26 Is this, I
pray, that daring and heinous iniquity on account of which the mighty? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/

God's Need of Men who Pray
... So also it was when God said to Job's friends, "My servant Job shall pray for you ...
and eternal condition, "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom
... this prevail. We pray for the heathen"oh! do let us pray for those bearing
Christ's name, many in worse than heathen darkness. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/nineteenth day for the holy.htm

How to Pray
... "When you pray do not say the same things over and over as do the heathen, who
believe that they will be heard because of their many words. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/how to pray.htm

1 Timothy ii. 4-Feb
... Observe how from every quarter He urges this upon the soul, to pray for the Heathen,
showing how great advantage springs from it; "that we may lead a quiet and ...
/.../homily vii 1 timothy ii.htm

Chapter iii.
... 12. "But when ye pray," says He, "do not speak much, [263] as the heathen do; for
they think [264] that they shall be heard for their much speaking." As it is ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter iii 2.htm

Third Lesson. Pray to Thy Father, which is in Secret;'
... seek Him.' Not on the strong or the fervent feeling with which I pray does the ... It
will teach us that we do not need, as the heathen, with the multitude and ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/third lesson pray to thy.htm