2009 by Jack Hayford
Previously published under the title Praying for Those You Love
Published by Chosen Books
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.chosenbooks.com
Chosen Books is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2012
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
ISBN 978-1-4412-5992-9
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified THE MESSAGE are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Cover design by Kirk DouPonce, DogEared Design
Jack Hayford locates effectual prayer at the center of Kingdom living, which is also in the midst of the cosmic battle between good and evil. Everyone lives in that battle, whether they know it or not, and most of what really matters occurs in the fine texture of our lives with those closest to us. To be able to work with God in prayer for the good of those we love is a great gift of grace, but we must act with understanding to secure it. Pastor Hayford places the human heart under the microscope of Scripture to reveal the inner dynamics of a life that pulls those closest to us into the loving sway of Gods actions.
What Pastor Hayford leads us into is healthy, strong, effectual and theologically deep. If you would like to see dear ones moved toward God, he tells you how. If a wide range of self-identified Christians studied and followed this book, the churches and the moral and spiritual climate of our world would change radically. My best advice is to read it and put it into practice.
Dallas Willard , bestselling author, The Divine Conspiracy ; professor of philosophy, University of Southern California
As everyone familiar with the wonderful writings of Jack Hayford would expect, this book is rich with all we need to understand how to intercede powerfully for the people we care about most. It is rich in Scripture-based teaching, personal experience, practical advice and helpful instruction. Jack Hayford was my pastor for 23 years and taught me nearly everything I know about prayer, yet this book has newly inspired me to pray. I am hopeful and joyfully expectant on a deeper level than ever as I await the answers to these prayers. Everyone wanting to learn how to maximize their prayer impact should know that this book is a gift for them and they would do well to open it.
Stormie Omartian , bestselling author, The Power of a Praying Wife , The Power of a Praying Husband , The Power of a Praying Woman and many others
For more than thirty years, Pastor Jack Hayford has been a valued, respected voice to the Body of Christespecially in the areas of worship, life in the Spirit and prayer. In the days we are living in, I cant think of anything more important than the subject of this bookpraying for those you love. Pastor Jacks profound yet practical insights into this subject will fill you with hope and move you into a passionate pursuit of praying for the people you love! I urge you to read this book.
Michael W. Smith , singer/songwriter
Jack Hayford has been one of my most important spiritual mentors for many years. His spiritual intimacy with Christ, personal integrity and biblical knowledge make him a trusted guide and beloved pastor. This book, Praying for Those You Love , is powerful and insightful. It not only has the ability to change your life, but it can change the legacy of your family for generations.
Jimmy Evans , founder and president, MarriageToday
For more than 25 years, Jack Hayford has been my pastor, spiritual father and teacher of all things God. One of the many qualities he exudes brilliantly is balance. Praying for Those You Love is one more wonderful example. I was freshly reminded that God entrusts us to plant the seeds, and then we entrust Him to bring the harvest. We are called to fight and we are instructed to rest. There is a time to let go yet persevere in prayer. This book is a practical and encouraging teaching on the privilege of partnering with Godheaven on earth.
Lisa Whelchel , bestselling author, Creative Correction and The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me
Pastor Jack Hayford has done it again! Praying for Those You Love captivated me from the first word. I was stirred, convicted and inspired by the Holy Spirit in an area in which I need and want to go deeper. As a pastor, I knew immediately that my life and the church where I pastor would never be the same. This book is a must-read for every believer and church leader. Your life and the lives of those you love will forever be changed!
Pastor Robert Morris , senior pastor, Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas; bestselling author, The Blessed Life
Contents
Foreword by Darlene Zschech
1 A Divine Invitation to Partnership
2 The Original Splintering
3 War Against the Spirit of Separation
4 Doing Your Part and Letting God Do His
5 Basic Promises to Apply
6 Promises and Patterns for Reaching People
7 Heirs Together of the Grace of Life
8 Your Prayers Are Decisive!
9 Upon Your Sons and Daughters
10 Comforting One Another in Prayer
11 Praying for Someone You Dont Want to Pray For
12 How to Pray without Ceasing
13 Framing a Family Picture
Afterword: Having Done All, Stand
Appendix A: A Prayer for Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior
Appendix B: A Prayer for Inviting the Lord to Fill You with the Holy Spirit
Foreword
O ur God is one of relationship. He is passionate about our relationship with Him and our relationships with each other. Its how we are wired and designed, each one made in the image of our Creatorto nurture, love and care for others both in our immediate sphere and beyond. Psalm 133 says that where there is unity, God commands a blessing, so it should be of no surprise that the area where there is most potential for much blessing across the earth is also the area facing insidious attack and catastrophic breakdown, which, in turn, has affected every sphere of our society.
Pastor Jack has poured his heart, wisdom and experience into these pages, as he explores the reason for such tension within relationships and instructs us on how to pray effectively, with all we are, over those we love and those in our sphere of influence, whatever the past has looked like. The power of Gods redemptive plan for us covers every experience that has brought much heartachethat His plan includes restoration and a new beginning.
I know in my own life, and I am sure in yours, the most painful experiences have been where relationship has been fractured or where misunderstandings have caused such deep distress that wading your way back to strength in these matters may have seemed much easier to put in the impossible category. But it is right here , in the seemingly unbearable, that our God still reigns. He is the God of the impossible, for when we are weak, He is strong and ever faithful to reside over the promise of His Word.
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
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