Praying People, Pray for People
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and with each other. The second pillar of prayer focuses on the importance of praying for/with people. It is important to note that “for” and “with” will be used synonymously in this post. This pillar reminds us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey with God and that we are called to support and uplift one another through prayer. Here are five key sections that highlight the significance of praying for/with people:
Praying for/with Family and Friends
Our family and friends are often the closest people in our lives, and they need our prayers just as much as we need theirs. The Bible encourages us to pray for those we love, asking God to bless them, protect them, and guide them in their daily lives. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Now, what if the person is not saved? It can often be very difficult if one or more family member(s) have not given their life to Jesus yet. Be encouraged, the Bible speaks on this… Keep reading and you will find an explanation in Point 4.
Praying for/with the Church Community
The church community is a vital part of our spiritual growth and support system. Praying for our fellow believers helps strengthen the body of Christ and fosters a sense of unity, love, and holiness within the church. Colossians 1:9, For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” This is an amazing expression of unity that Paul is giving here. He says, “WE have NOT STOPPED praying for you.” Two things occur here: (1) He’s not alone. (2) He never stops. In fact, Jesus himself never stops praying for us either. Hebrews 7:25b, “he (Jesus) always lives to intercede for those who come to God.” What an amazing truth to hear!
Praying for/with Leaders and Authorities
Leaders and authorities have a significant impact on our lives and the world around us. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in positions of power, asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment, and a heart for justice and righteousness. Yes! This means we have the PRIVILAGE to pray for/with all of our governmental leaders on both sides of the aisle! Heaven is completely unified; therefore, political parties do not exist in heaven. What a relief! 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Any person with any type of leadership role should be prayed for/with. If the Church does all of this well, the Lord will be pleased and will provide visible results to our prayers.
Praying for/with the Lost and Hurting
There are many people in the world who are lost, hurting, and in need of God’s love and grace. Praying for those who do not yet know Christ and for those who are suffering in sin can bring about transformation in their lives. 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” We know that it is the Lord’s will that ALL would be saved. He says this in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, which picks up after the verse in Point 3 by saying, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” By this, we can have confidence to pray for the salvation of those who are lost.
Praying for/with the Sick and Brokenhearted
Praying for those who are sick and brokenhearted is an essential part of our spiritual duty. This is a necessary RESPONSIBILITY! The Bible assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted and that He heals the sick. Our prayers can bring comfort, strength, and healing to those who are suffering. Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Did you know God can actually bind up our wounds? It is a miraculous moment when God does this before our very eyes. James also speaks into this to his audience in his letter. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
Praying for/with people is a powerful way to show God’s love and grace. In fact, it makes sense… God uses people to impact people. By lifting up our family, friends, church community, leaders, the lost, and the sick, we become instruments of His healing, comfort, and transformation. Let us pray, trusting that our prayers are heard by God.
Reflection
1. Do you currently have a plan to pray for and with others around you?
2. Would you say you love others? If so, do you pray for/with them?
3. Last one, when is the last time you sent someone in your life that you are praying for them? (To get you started, send them this prayer found below in a text or email.)
Pray this. Then copy/paste it and send it to someone else, just fill in the blanks when you send it
Father, how great are You our Lord! Lord, I pray for today. I pray that You, the One who knitted them together in their mother’s womb, would bring Your presence into ‘s life. God, I pray that You fill with Your Holy Spirit today and lead them into everlasting truth. What a privilage it is to be able to walk alongside as they live life. God, strengthen bones, muscles, and ligaments; making them whole by the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. Bring Your perfect peace into their life and make them self-aware to Your voice. Jesus, we love You and care for Your Kingdom! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
