Ceasing to Pray for Others is a Sin Against the Lord
Sketches of four hundred sermons
1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you…


The sentiments of the text are, that prayer for others is a duty, and the neglect of it is a sin. We will therefore inquire —

I. WHO ARE THE INDIVIDUALS FOR WHOM WE SHOULD PRAY?

1. For our families.

2. For the Church of God.

3. For our country.

4. For the world.What an awful state is the world in, notwithstanding all the attempts which are made to mend it!

II. STATE THE ARGUMENTS FOR THE ADOPTION OF SUCH PRACTICE.

1. We are related to each other, and therefore we should pray for one another.

2. We are dependent on each other's exertions for a subsistence. Some talk of being independent, but this is absurd. "The king himself is served by the field" (Ecclesiastes 5:9).

3. The practice of praying for others will serve to keep alive in our hearts the most benevolent feelings towards them.

4. This practice may promote their salvation.

III. WE MAY OMIT TO PRAY FOR OTHERS. The text is sufficiently indicative of this.

1. We may omit to pray for others through unconcern about our own salvation.

2. We may do it through unbelief in reference to the efficacy of prayer.

3. We may do it through prejudice.

IV. THAT OUR CEASING TO PRAY FOR OTHERS IS A SIN AGAINST THE LORD.

1. It is a sin against the precepts of the Lord (1 Timothy 2:1, 2).

2. Against the spirit of the Lord. The Holy Ghost works in our hearts feelings of benevolence and love, which give birth to prayer.

3. Against the example of the Lord.Learn —

1. What straits people are brought into by their sinful conduct.

2. None can help us in our distress but God.

3. People in affliction are glad to have the prayers of those whom they have treated with insult before.

4. Good men pray for those who have despitefully used them.

(Sketches of four hundred sermons.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

WEB: Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.




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