The Greatest InvitationSample

Pray for our City

Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Acts 1:8

Reflect:

Think about the number of people who live in your city. Now imagine what your city would look like if everyone followed Jesus. Life would not be perfect, but things would certainly be different! Rush-hour traffic would still back up, but drivers would be more patient and courteous. Hospitals would still be full, but there would be more prayers for healing and hope. The cost of living would still be a challenge, but there would be greater compassion and generosity toward families in need. The city would still have problems, but it would be a more peaceful place to live.

That vision for the city might sound unrealistic, yet Scripture teaches this is exactly how we are to pray. The Apostle Paul urges us in 1 Timothy 2 to make intercessions and supplications for everyone, especially those who hold positions in leadership, that we all might live peaceful lives. That said, we are not only praying for temporary peace with one another; we are praying for our city to experience eternal peace with God.

The truth is, our Father in Heaven desires every single person to have a relationship with Him. The Creator of the universe wants every person to be saved! So praying for our city aligns our hearts with the heart of God. And when we pray, we can be confident that God hears us and uses those prayers to powerfully change hearts and lives.

Respond:

As you go before the Father on behalf of the city, trust Him for real and lasting change. Acts 1:8 reminds us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV)

This means our prayers should be bold and intentional - starting right where we live, then extending outward to our state, our nation, and the world. If you want to see your city changed, there is no better place to start than at home.

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I want my city to turn to You! I want to see a revival happen, where our city turns away from the ways of this world and puts its trust in You, Jesus. Lord, I pray that You will use me in a mighty way for Your Kingdom. I pray that, by Your Spirit, I will have the boldness to share the Gospel with those around me. I pray that I will continue without ceasing, talking with You about all things. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, amen!