10/07/2024
This morning we study "Compassionate Prayer" as it was taught in Matthew 9:36. I thought to myself that this was a very appropriate topic, since this is Missions Month at many churches. Beyond delivering the gospel, there are situations at home, and around the world, where we can physically provide aid to others, or pray for them through a situation; but there are quite a few others that are beyond our ability to resolve, and we must depend on a miracle, and entering into "Compassionate Prayer", is our only course of action.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Mathew 9:6
E.M. Bounds should have convicted each of us when he wrote these words:
"Hard is the person, and far from being Christ-like, who sees the multitudes but is unmoved at the sight of their sad state, their unhappiness, and their distress. He has no heart of prayer for others." – E. M. Bounds
A heart of compassion, is required of us all, but especially when we are called to deliver the gospel to the world. Jesus healed, fed, and performed miracles as He travelled among the masses. We, as Christians, should have that same compassion, that same love for others, and first and foremost translate it into "Compassionate Prayer" as we pray for all those we encounter who suffer and are in need, do not Know God, or believe wrongly in Him and Jesus Christ…. like our enemies for example.
““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.””
Luke 6:27-28 ESV
I am not talking about pity but rather a true empathy for the suffering of others and an irresistible need to cry out for God, and Jesus Christ, to intercede in their misery or faithlessness. If we can't feel the pain of others then our prayers are shackled by our own lack of love.
“Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 ESV
Compassionate prayer, it is the primary tool of the intercessor, and of every missionary who carries the good news into the world. It is the manifestation of our love and tears for others as we pray in in the Spirit.
Father, hear the heartbreak in our prayers this morning as we pray for those who suffer so greatly. Lord, we call on your mercy and goodness in lifting the burdens from those who are desperate for relief. Most of all Father, we ask that you keep your hand upon the unbelievers, and let your Holy Spirit lead each person in need to your arms through the gospel of your Son Jesus Christ. You are our God in whom nothing is impossible, and we ask you from bended knee to intercede in the lives of those who need you so greatly. In this we give you thanks, and praise your name above all names.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us a heart for the lost and suffering in the world. Thank you Lord for moving us to pray for them with all our hearts, and with a deep and abiding desire for you to intercede in their pain and disbelief. Heal the sick Father, comfort those who mourn, and draw the lost to you through your Son Jesus. Help us Holy Father to feel the distress, suffering, and sense of being lost and alone, that others in the world feel so deeply. Help us to experience these thing that we encounter in our neighbors as if they were happening to ourselves. Use the suffering of others to open our hearts and allow us to pray as we should for those about us. Give us your mercy and grace to circumcise our hearts and increase the love we have for others. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who desires that none should perish, and that not one of your children should suffer needlessly. You are our loving God who leads us to yourself through Jesus, and opens our hearts to others… even the sinners and those whose souls are lost. You are great in all things Lord, but none more so than your goodness and love for us. You love the world so much that you sent Jesus, your only begotten Son, to redeem us while we ourselves were yet sinners. We pray today, right now, and always, that you give us your same love as we are ushered out into the world with the good news of Jesus, as we begin to open the hearts and minds of sinners to your Holy Word, and we give hope to the lost. Even as we feel the pain and suffering of mankind let us feel your compassion, and let it open our hearts fully as we answer your call and do your will. Let your will move us like Calvary moved Jesus. Let our compassion for the world allow us to ask as He did, that you forgive those who know not what they do. Swing the door to our hearts and souls open as we pray for others Lord, and let it please you as we answer your call, do your will, and bring glory to your name.
Amen, Amen, Amen!
““For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,”
1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV
“ Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?”
Ezekiel 33:11 ESV
Rich Forbes