Prayer for foreigners is a theme that emerges in various parts of the Bible, reflecting God's inclusive love and the call for His people to extend grace and intercession beyond their immediate community. The Scriptures provide several instances and teachings that highlight the importance of praying for those who are not part of the Israelite nation, emphasizing God's universal plan of salvation and His desire for all nations to know Him.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the inclusion of foreigners in the community of God's people. In Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple, he specifically mentions foreigners who come to worship the Lord. Solomon prays, "As for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name—for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this house, may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner asks of You, so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel" (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). This prayer underscores the expectation that God's house would be a place of prayer for all nations.

The Law also provided for the fair treatment of foreigners, urging the Israelites to remember their own status as foreigners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:34 commands, "You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God" . This commandment implies a broader spiritual responsibility, including prayer and intercession for the well-being of foreigners.

Prophetic Vision

The prophets further expand on the theme of God's concern for the nations. Isaiah envisions a time when foreigners will join themselves to the Lord, serve Him, and love His name. Isaiah 56:6-7 states, "And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations" . This passage highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant and the role of prayer in welcoming foreigners into His presence.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of prayer for foreigners is fulfilled in the Great Commission and the early church's mission. Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), indicating that the message of the Gospel and the prayers of the church are to extend to all people, regardless of their ethnic or national background.

The apostle Paul exemplifies this in his ministry, often praying for the Gentiles and expressing his desire for their salvation. In Romans 10:1, Paul writes, "Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation" , but his missionary journeys and letters reveal a broader concern for all people, including Gentiles, to come to faith in Christ.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate to pray for foreigners has practical implications for believers today. It calls Christians to intercede for those who are different from themselves, whether they are immigrants, refugees, or people from other cultures and nations. This prayerful attitude reflects God's heart for the world and aligns with the church's mission to be a light to the nations.

In summary, prayer for foreigners is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire for all people to know Him and be part of His covenant community. Through prayer, believers participate in God's redemptive work, extending His love and grace to every corner of the earth.