The notion that we should not pray for the people of the world is challenged by numerous examples of God's people, including Jesus Christ, praying for others. Jeremiah continued to pray for his countrymen despite God's repeated instructions not to, showing a persistent care for his nation. God acknowledges such prayers, though He may not always change His will, as seen when He tells Jeremiah that no amount of praying will alter His decision this time. Yet, fervent prayers can sometimes lead God to reconsider His actions, as evidenced by Moses and the Ninevites. Daniel, while in exile, fervently prayed for his nation, identifying with their sins and pleading for mercy, demonstrating that praying for others is not limited by time or circumstance. Jesus Himself commands us to pray for those who hate and spitefully use us, defining this act as part of being children of our Father in heaven. On the cross, He prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, setting a clear example of intercession for worldly sinners. Stephen, following His example, prayed for his murderers as he was stoned to death. Paul expressed deep concern for his unconverted countrymen, praying for their salvation and even willing to sacrifice his own for theirs. He urges prayers for all men, including kings and those in authority, most of whom are not converted. Abraham prayed for Abimelech, and Cyrus requested prayers from God's people, showing that intercession extends beyond personal circles. God instructs His people in captivity to pray for the peace of the city where they are held, emphasizing that their peace is tied to the city's well-being. While we are not of this world and must separate from its ways, we live among its people and are called to show love toward them through prayer. It is right to pray for a city devastated by catastrophe, for broken families, and for the nation, asking God to be merciful. We are encouraged to intercede for neighbors, leaders, and those in distress, reflecting God's impartiality and care for all.

While it is good to acknowledge God's will in our prayers and know that His decisions will stand, we must also focus on the fact that God's mind (will) can be changed. Sometimes the situation is determined and unable to be changed, but scripture provides us many examples of how prayers given, typically in a heartfelt manner, can change God's will to modify something as important as a nation's destiny (Numbers 14). Other examples describe a woman touching Jesus's garment (Mark 5) and the man born blind obeying His command (John 9). These examples show that reason (God surely knows every argument beforehand) and actions can move God to intercede from His original divine plan on behalf of his children. Our heartfelt acknowledgement of our personal trials can move Him to relent and swiftly end them. As long as we acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty, we are free to humbly request God to change how He achieves His end goal and creation's purpose.