Many years ago, I heard the following statement, and it had made me more resolved to be praying for the welfare of others, especially, for their salvation.  It happened when I was discussing with a young Christian in the faith about the efficacy of prayer.  He had said, “I am not going to pray for the salvation of “so and so” because ....

Many years ago, I heard the following statement, and it had made me more resolved to be praying for the welfare of others, especially, for their salvation.  It happened when I was discussing with a young Christian in the faith about the efficacy of prayer.  He had said, “I am not going to pray for the salvation of “so and so” because it might not be God’s will to save him” I was surprised and disturbed. I replied, “But, in fact, you are assuming God’s will, and consequently you are not upholding your friend in prayer…because if God wills that your friend will come to the saving knowledge of Christ; will you not be praying for his salvation?”  “Yes, I will,” he said.  I asked, “Then, why are you not praying for him?” “Because, it might not be God’s will to save him,” he repeated piously. Has God anything to say about this and praying?
    
In God’s Word 1Timothy 2:1, He emphasized that we are to be praying for all men. Praying for them, from giving thanks to making supplications and intercessions on their behalf.  To make ‘supplications’ to God because there is a great need.  To ‘intercede,’ comes from the root word meaning “falling in with someone”-- to be compassionate; a call to every believer.  In verses four of 1 Timothy 2, the greatest need for all men is mentioned--their salvation.  God desires for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.  We cannot ignore such a need, neither can we neglect to intercede for others as God had through His love, mercy, and grace made the provision of salvation through Christ (1 Tim 2:5-6).
    
Beloved, one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal as “missionaries” is prayer.  We cannot know God’s will for those He elects unto salvation until they respond to Him.  But we know, God’s will for us; and that is to pray for them.  Amen.

Pastor Dr SC Elbert Lim

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” 1 Timothy 2:1