05.11. What classes of Men we are to pray for.
What classes of Men we are to pray for. Not for the dead. David ceased praying for his child when once dead, 2 Samuel 12:21-23. It is vain and useless; for as the tree falls, it must lie. We have neither precept nor promise about it; and it was raised upon the false opinion of purgatory. But the dead are in an unalterable state, Hebrews 9:27.’ It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.’
Nor for those who are known to have sinned the sin against the Holy Ghost, 1 John 5:16. for God has declared that sin to be unpardonable, This is very rare, and therefore one would beware of rashness in this matter. But,
1. In general, we are to pray for all sorts of men living, ’ for kings, and all that are in authority,’ 1 Timothy 2:1-2.’ I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty:’ for Christians, Jews, Mohammedans, Pagans, noble and ignoble, &c. They are capable of God’s grace and favour, and we are to desire it for them. But we are not to pray for every particular person whatsoever, 1 John 5:16.’ There is a sin unto death: I do not say that ye shall pray for it.’ So that it is an unwarrantable petition, that God would have mercy on, and save all mankind, for the contrary of that is revealed. Yea, we should pray for all sorts of men who shall live hereafter, as our Lord did, John 17:20. ’Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.’ But,
2. In particular, we are to pray, not only for ourselves, as Jacob did for deliverance from the hand of his brother Esau, Genesis 32:11. but for,
(1.) The whole church of Christ upon earth. Hence says the text, Praying always with all prayer, and supplication for all saints. To no party must we confine the communion of prayers, to whom God has not confined his grace. All the members of the mystical body must share particularly in our prayers, because they are the members of Christ, whatever difference be betwixt us and them in lesser things. The sympathy betwixt the members of the same body of our Lord requires this. And it is a sad sign not to be so affected, Amos 6:6. ’ They are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
(2.) Magistrates: ’ Kings, and all that are in authority,’ 1 Timothy 2:2. It was about three hundred years after Christ ere the magistrates were Christians, nevertheless the apostle bids pray for them ; because the quite and peace of the commonwealth and kingdom depends much on their management; and infidelity, or indifference in religion, does not make void the magistrate’s just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him. Their hearts are in the Lord’s hand, Proverbs 21:1. Their influence is great, so is their work, and so are their temptations; and if they be evil men, there is the more need to be earnest with God on their behalf. Let us bless God that we have a Protestant King on the throne, remembering how seasonably the Lord sent him, and how much depends on his safety, and the safety of his royal family.
(3.) Ministers, Colossians 4:3.’ Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.’ Psalms 132:9. ’ Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.’ There is a near relation betwixt the people of God and their ministers. They have a weighty work in their hands, which, if it misgive, will not only be their own loss, but the people’s. People may have a minister so straitened, as to do them no good, Colossians 4:3. Though he be not so, yet he may be useless to them ; therefore, says the apostle, 1 Thessalonians 5:25. ’Brethren, pray for us.’ I leave it with that, Romans 15:30.’ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.’
(4.) Our Christian acquaintance, James 5:16. ’Pray one for another.’ Communion of prayers is a special benefit of Christian friendship and acquaintance. And It Is no small mercy and encouragement to have interest in their prayers, who have interest at the throne of grace.
(5.) The place and congregation we live in, and are members of. The captives of Babylon were to pray for the place they lived in, Jeremiah 29:7. how much more should we pray for a Christian congregation whereof we are members ? The better it be with them, it will be the better with you; and so contrariwise.
(6.) Our families and relations. The nearer any stand related to us, we have the more need to be concerned for them at the throne of grace. We find Job sacrificing for his family, Job 1:5; a master praying for his servant, 2 Kings 6:17; and a servant for his master, Genesis 24:12.
(7.) We must pray for enemies, Matthew 5:44. This is hardest to bring men to. But we have the express command of Christ for it, and his example, Luke 23:34. followed by the martyr Stephen, Acts 7:60. Nay, forgiving them is necessary to our forgiveness: " Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." There may be much selfishness in praying for those that love us; but that kindly concern for our enemies makes us liker God, Matthew 5:45.