Praying for lost sinners

"I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men" (1 Tim 2:1)

How important it is that we pray for those who are not yet saved. Do you pray for your neighbors or collegues at work? Don't be ashamed when you give thanks for your food when unbelievers see you. It may be an opportunity to enter into a conversation with them. 

The people in our environment need to see that we are concerned about their souls. If they see sincere love in us the Lord may use it to lead them to repentance. 

Here is what happened many years ago in Scottland:

The father of John G. Paton, the famous missionary to the Hebrides, was mighty in prevailing prayer as, night after night in his little Scotch home, he audibly interceded for the unsaved of his village and the world.

The most immoral, sinful woman in the village repeatedly said that the only thing that kept her from suicide and hell was that at times in winter nights she would creep close to the window of the Paton home, where she could hear Mr. Paton interceding in prayer. She heard him ask God that He would convert "the sinner from the error of his wicked ways and polish him as a jewel for the Redeemer's crown."

She realized that she was a burden on the heart of Mr.  Paton and believed that God would not disappoint him. That thought, she said, was what kept her out of hell and at last led her to repentance and the forgiveness of sin.

J.P.S.