Praying for others is vitally important for several reasons according to the Bible. First, we are commanded to pray for others. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” Here Paul urges Timothy and all believers to make prayers and intercessions for others. We see other direct commands to pray for others in passages like James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, and 1 Samuel 12:23. As followers of Christ, we must obey these biblical directives to pray for others.
Second, praying for others demonstrates love. When we pray for someone, we are investing time and energy into their well-being. We are bringing their struggles and needs before God’s throne of grace. 1 John 4:7 says “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.” Praying for others is a tangible way to fulfill this command to love one another. It is a selfless act that focuses on lifting up and blessing others through prayer. As Christ’s representatives, we must show His love to the world.
Third, the Bible gives many examples of godly people praying for others. The apostle Paul frequently prayed for those to whom he wrote his New Testament letters. For instance, he told the Philippian church, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4). He also prayed diligently for the church in Colossae, asking God to fill them with spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9-12). Additionally, Epaphras labored in prayer for the Colossian believers, that they may stand mature and fully assured in the will of God (Colossians 4:12-13). These examples inspire us to persistently pray for fellow believers.
Furthermore, the book of Acts documents how the early church consistently prayed for one another, especially in times of need or crisis. When Peter was imprisoned, the church earnestly prayed to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5). And when Herod killed James and imprisoned Peter, the church immediately offered prayers on Peter’s behalf (Acts 12:5). The early Christians understood the importance and power of uniting together in prayer for each other.
Praying for others should include both praise to God for His work in their lives as well as petitions to Him for their needs. We can praise God for something good He has done in their lives or thank Him for a way we’ve seen Him blessing them. Requests to God on their behalf include praying for their healing, provision, guidance, spiritual growth, struggles with sin, decisions they face, and more. The Bible encourages us to bring all our requests before God!
In addition, praying for others builds unity and connection in the body of Christ. When we consistently pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ—by name—it strengthens our love and fellowship with them. We begin to see them as real people with real needs instead of just acquaintances. Our care for each other grows. Romans 15:30 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.” Paul knew the unifying power of praying for each other.
Moreover, praying for others blesses them spiritually. Our prayers invoke God’s supernatural help, protection, and power in their lives. When we petition God on their behalf, we are tapping into the mighty resources of heaven to aid them in their struggles. The passionate, persistent prayers of righteous believers “availeth much,” James says in James 5:16. God wants to move mightily in answer to our prayers if we will persist in intercession for others.
Intercessory prayer for others pleases God and demonstrates obedience to His Word. 1 Samuel 12:23 says, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.” When we faithfully pray for others, it shows that we care about God’s interests and concerns, not just our own. It demonstrates a heart tuned to His purposes and plans.
Praying for others also aids in their spiritual growth. When we pray for the faith, knowledge of God’s Word, passion for evangelism, victory over sin, and deeper intimacy with God on behalf of our brothers and sisters, we help spur their development into mature disciples of Christ. Our prayers unleash God’s power to conform them to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29).
In addition, praying for others can help deliver them from harmful situations. James 5:16 says “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Bringing others’ struggles before God’s throne of grace can aid in their deliverance from difficult circumstances, traps of the enemy, destructive habits, toxic relationships, and more. Our heartfelt prayers activate God’s help and protection on their behalf.
Fervent prayer for others can even be instrumental in their salvation. In Romans 10:1, Paul says “my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” His persistent prayers for the salvation of the Jewish people demonstrated his deep compassion for them. When we faithfully intercede on behalf of unbelievers we know, pleading with God to draw them to Himself, it can aid in opening their eyes to the gospel.
Praying for others also causes spiritual blessings to boomerang back on us. Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” When we diligently pray for others, God reciprocates by pouring out spiritual refreshment and vitality on us. As we sow blessing into others’ lives through prayer, we reap blessing in return.
Lifting others up in prayer expresses care, love and compassion for them. It builds unity between believers. It unleashes spiritual power and protection. It aids in physical and emotional healing. It brings unsaved loved ones to Christ. It stimulates spiritual growth in others. And it blesses the ones who pray. What awesome benefits come through intercessory prayer for others!
The Bible gives many examples of specific things we should pray for on behalf of fellow believers as well as principles for effective intercession. Here are some key things the Bible encourages us to pray for others:
Their spiritual growth and development: Colossians 1:9-12 lists several components of spiritual growth including increasing in the knowledge of God, gaining wisdom and understanding, becoming fruitful in good works, and being strengthened by God’s power. We can pray for God to develop these things in our fellow believers’ lives.
Strength to overcome sin: Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” to find mercy and grace to help in time of need. One of our greatest needs is power to defeat sinful habits and propensities. We should intercede for struggling believers to find grace to overcome.
Deliverance from harmful situations: We can pray for those undergoing difficult circumstances to find deliverance and relief. The book of Acts records believers constantly praying for Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12:5). We should also intercede for loved ones suffering hardship, asking God for His divine intervention.
Protection from spiritual attack: Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We can pray for other believers to be strengthened to stand firm against the enemy and to resist his attacks through spiritual armor and wisdom from above.
Physical healing: James 5:14-15 instructs believers to pray over those who are sick and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. God can and does still heal miraculously in answer to prayer. We should persistently intercede for the infirmities and diseases of others, asking God for healing.
Provision of basic needs: We can pray for God to supply the basic needs of those struggling in lack. Paul said he learned the secret of contentment in any situation whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12). Still, Scripture encourages us to pray that God would provide daily bread for the needy.
Guidance for decisions: We all face decisions where we need God’s direction about what choice honors and pleases Him most. As believers pray for each other regarding life decisions big and small, God promises to guide and lead us on the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Protection from anxiety/fear: Many people struggle with crippling anxiety, fear, worry and depression. We can pray for them to experience God’s perfect peace that surpasses understanding and to be freed from tormented thoughts and emotions (Philippians 4:6-7).
Strength in persecution: We should pray that believers facing persecution, adversity and hardship because of their faith would have supernatural courage to endure it. We can ask God to even use it for their sanctification and to glorify Himself (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5).
Relationships: We can intercede regarding both good and bad relationships others are involved in, asking God to bless healthy ones and to remedy or end harmful ones. We should pray they find fellowship with other strong believers as well (Prov. 13:20).
Ministries they are involved in: We can pray for fellow believers engaged in various ministries—for wisdom, guidance, provision, fruitfulness, faithfulness to God’s calling, and so forth. We can pray specifically regarding the special challenges of their particular ministry assignment (Colossians 4:3).
These kinds of prayers bless others and unleash God’s power on their behalf. Beyond specific requests, Scripture also gives insight on how to pray effectively for others. Here are some key principles:
Pray from the heart, not just out of duty. Paul said he always prayed for his churches with joy (Philippians 1:4). When intercession becomes merely obligation, we lose passion. Ask God to fill your heart with care for others.
Pray specifically. Vague prayers are usually soon forgotten. Prayer that names specific people and needs are more purposeful. Pray over actual lists of people you know personally and intercede about what’s truly on your heart for them.
Pray biblically. Always pray according to biblical principles, not merely human reasoning. Know Scripture’s promises regarding healing, wisdom, deliverance from sin, etc. to anchor prayers in God’s Word.
Pray persistently. The early church prayed constantly for Peter in prison until God finally intervened with a miracle (Acts 12:5). Don’t give up praying for others. Breakthrough often requires sustained, persistent prayer.
Pray confidently. When praying according to God’s will and Word, we can have confident assurance that He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15). Pray with faith in God’s help, not doubting.
Pray urgently. When others are undergoing crisis, affliction, or deep struggles we should pray with special fervency, importunity and urgency on their behalf. Urgent prayer demonstrates compassion.
Pray unitedly. There is multiplied power when believers join together to pray for the same purpose and person (Matthew 18:19-20). Seek opportunities to pray for others together with your church family.
In conclusion, intercessory prayer powerfully blesses others spiritually and emotionally, expressing selfless love. Praying for others draws us closer together in the body of Christ. It brings breakthrough, healing, guidance and more in their lives. Jesus Himself persistently intercedes for us to the Father. Following His example, we must eagerly pray for fellow believers—and even unbelievers—knowing our compassionate prayers unleash His help, favor and blessings.
