Pray for Others

“I pray for them…I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me”

Reading John Chapter 17 we see that Jesus prayed for others. He prayed for His disciples and for you and for me. Following in Jesus’ footsteps, we should also pray for others.

Too often we tell someone, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” or "I will certainly pray"

Then, by the time we walk away, we forget about that. Oh please, don’t tell me that has never happened to you. And it isn’t something we do deliberately, at least I hope not; it just happens.

I truly believe that at the moment we promise to pray, we really mean it, but life distracts us and we forget.

Incidentally, a few days ago someone asked me to pray for their friend. I said I would and, not to fall into the trap of forgetfulness, I immediately stopped what I was doing and prayed as I said I would. And guess what, since then I have remembered to pray for that person. 

“So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another…” – James 5:16 (GNT)

Understand that when we pray for others, what we are in fact doing is placing them ahead of ourselves, as praying for others is rooted in selflessness.  It causes us to think of someone else and their needs rather than ourselves and our wants. It’ s serving another, sometimes, without them even knowing.

According to James, praying for others can bring about our own healing.

“…so that you will be healed.” – James 5:16 (GNT)

Offering prayers for others does not only produce healing in us but can release blessings of financial health into our lives as well.

“Then, after Job had prayed for his three friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had had before.” – Job 42:10 (GNT)

That said, we must not pray with any thought of reward. Praying for the well-being of another person must be an unselfish, genuine and authentic act of love, care and concern.

The Word of God gives us many examples of praying for others. I encourage you to search for yourself and make a concerted effort to pray for others, those near and dear to you, people you know and even those who don’t know you exist.

Everyone needs prayer, so don’t ever miss out on the opportunity to pray for others.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Pray for Others” © February 11, 2025