The book of Provers is a contrast between Wisdom and Folly. The same can be said for someone who only prays for those they love, their own needs, or never those around them.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR DEC 31, 2020
Pray for the Rich and the Poor; your Enemies and your Friends
For those who are rich and prosperous in the world, some of whom perhaps need prayers as much as those who request them.
Lord, keep those who are rich in this present age from being haughty and setting their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, and give them to trust in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy: That they may do good and be rich in good works, generous and ready to share; that they may store up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future. 1 Timothy 6:17-19(ESV)
Though it is hard for those who are rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven, yet with you this is possible. Matthew 19:24-26(ESV)
For those who are poor and in affliction, for such we have always with us.
Lord, make those who are poor in the world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, James 2:5(ESV) and give to them to receive the gospel.
O that the poor of the flock may wait upon you and may know the word of the LORD. Zechariah 11:11(ESV)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous; good Lord, deliver them out of them all. Psalm 34:19(ESV) And though for the moment all affliction seems painful rather than pleasant; nevertheless, later let it yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11(ESV)
Pray for the least of these Matthew 25:31-46 (added by me)
For our enemies and those who hate us.
Lord, give us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us. Matthew 5:44(ESV)
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do; Luke 23:34(ESV) and do not hold their malice against them; Acts 7:60(ESV) and work in us a disposition to bear with others and forgive in love, Colossians 3:13(ESV) as you require we should whenever we pray. Mark 11:25(ESV)
And grant that our ways may so please the LORD, that even our enemies may be at peace with us. Proverbs 16:7(ESV)
Let the wolf dwell with the lamb, Isaiah 11:6(ESV) and let there be none to hurt or destroy in all your holy mountain; Isaiah 11:9(ESV) let Ephraim not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah harass Ephraim. Isaiah 11:13(ESV)
For our friends and those who love us.
And we wish for all those whom we love in truth, that all may go well with them and that they may be in good health; we especially pray that it may go well with their souls. 2 John 1:2(ESV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirits. Philemon 1:25(ESV)
