Radical Prayer

Pray for the entire world.  Pretty daunting task. David Platt asked the readers of " Radical" to commit to this. I have to be honest..I didn't really believe I could do it. I know my limitations. I am fantastic at immediate prayer. If you call me now...I will pray with you over the phone. I'll do it in person without hesitation as well.  I am pretty consistent in praying daily for my family, friends, church, and my missionary friends. I have been taking time in homeschooling to teach the boys how to pray. But a consistent, daily labor for the world...it just seemed too much. I tried by using the suggested source at www.operationworld.org    I received a daily email reminder listing a country and a link for information and prayer needs.  What I have learned through this experience has been very insightful. I am not as good at geography as I thought I was! And I went days without opening the emails because I chose to put other things first...sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of laziness. And that's exactly what I thought would happen. But, the LORD always does something with our attempts at obedience, doesn't He?  I've been reminded in His word what Paul said to Timothy in his 1st letter..."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, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth"(2:1-4)ESV. In the Message, it says, " The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned: that there's one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us-Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free".  When you pray for people, it gives you a heart for them you didn't have before. Perhaps the ability to see them the way God sees them, not  how CNN or Fox News sees them...but how God loves Iran, Pakistan and Swaziland... and wants them to know His truth. I prayed for countries I didn't even remember existed to come to the Truth and know His love!
As Samuel said in his prayer for Israel in the anointing of Saul(1Sm 12:23)..."far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you"...which was the priest's duty...and since we are "to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to the LORD" (1Pet.2:5)... it is also our duty. I never considered that  not praying could be a sin. I've always looked at it as my missed opportunity to meet with the LORD, but not a duty. Isn't apathy for the lost sinful?  As I walk into deeper relationship with Christ, He's showing me a delight in duty. Blessings that come from obedience are indeed sweet and rewarding. He's teaching me how to have His heart for the world. And now I can say in full confidence that now I know where Swaziland is !