Praying for the Fatherless, Orphans, and Widows

God cares for those who are lonely, struggling, and without advocates.

One special group that appears over and over again are widows and orphans (or the fatherless). 

The word "fatherless" appears 41 times in the NIV Bible.

The word "orphan" appears 4 times in the NIV Bible. 

The word "widow" appears 103 times in the NIV Bible. 

As you take time to read over these verses, let them guide your prayers. As you notice God's heart for these people, pray that your heart may be aligned with His. 

How is the Spirit convicting you help widows and orphans (or the fatherless) today? This week? This month? This year? 

Praying For Our Enemies

 I know. I know. You have no enemies.

Except, our nation and world are more divided than ever.

Praying for our enemies might be praying for those who hold the opposite position on the hill we die on.

Praying for our enemies might be praying for those across the aisle politically.

Praying for our enemies might be praying for the politician that you despise...errr...have no respect for.

Praying for our enemies might be praying for the side we don't support in the war, be it Russia or Ukraine, Gaza/Hamas or Israel, or even cultural wars.

What does the Bible have to say about our enemies? 

1. We were once God's enemies; but He sent His Son to reconcile us to Him. (See Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21)

2. Jesus specifically commanded us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. (See Matthew 5:43-48)

3. Luke 6:27-36 takes #2 even further by commanding us to love our enemies, to do good to him, and lend to them without expectations of it being returned. 

How can you pray for your enemies?