Why is praying for others important?

Response

Praying for others—and this pertains to prayer in general—is something that may raise questions. Why should we pray if God already has our best interests at heart? He is far wiser than we are. Why does He require us to pray? Wouldn’t it be better to simply trust Him to do what is best? It is indeed true that God is wiser than us “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”, (1 Corinthians 1:25), and that we should trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). It is precisely for these reasons that we are called to pray, as praying for ourselves and others is a command from God.

Praying for others is advised as a means of healing “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”, (James 5:16), along with confession. James explains that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Does this imply that only the prayers of good individuals are heard? No, the term “righteous” in the Bible refers to those who have faith and are covered by Jesus’ righteousness (Romans 5:1;Romans 3:21-22;4:2-3).

Jesus instructed us to pray in His name (John 14:13-14). When you do something “in the name of” someone else, it means you are acting according to their wishes. Therefore, knowing God and understanding Him are essential aspects of prayer. This is where the significance of praying for others starts to become clear. Prayer is not about receiving.Praying for everything we desire and ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of others at all times is essential. Prayer is a powerful means to deepen our relationship with our Savior and foster unity among believers. Effective intercessory prayer draws us nearer to God, as it aligns with His will “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”, (1 John 5:14). It also strengthens our bond with others by understanding them better and focusing on their needs.

When we pray for others, our petitions often revolve around material blessings like a job, reliable transportation, good health, and safety. In more intimate relationships, we may intercede for marriages or other personal connections. There is merit in praying for these aspects, as the Bible encourages us to bring all our concerns to God and find peace in doing so “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”, (Philippians 4:6). It is appropriate to seek well-being and prosperity through prayer “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”, (3 John 1:2).

Nevertheless, many prayers in the Bible take a different focus. When Jesus interceded for others, He prayed for their faith “but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”, (Luke 22:32). He also prayed for their protection from temptation “And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.”, (Luke 22:40), He prayed for their unity «And now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are. », (John 17:11), and He prayed for their sanctification «Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. », (John 17:17). Paul prayed for the salvation of the lost «Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. », (Romans 10:1); he prayed that the brothers would stay on the right path «Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. », (2 Corinthians 13:7); he prayed that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend God’s love, and filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19). These are all prayers for spiritual blessings; they are all “in Jesus’ name” and according to the Father’s will—prayers that are guaranteed to find a “yes” in Christ «For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us. », (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Praying for others is important because it fulfills a New Testament command. We are to pray for all people «I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; »,

(1 Timothy 2:1). We should pray for government leaders «for kings, and for all who are in authority; so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and honesty. », (1 Timothy 2:2). We should pray for the unsaved «who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. », (1 Timothy 2:4). We should pray for fellow Christians «praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; », (Ephesians 6:18). We should pray for ministers of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). We should pray for the persecuted church «Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. », (Hebrews 13:3). Praying for others shifts our focus away from ourselves and onto the needs surrounding us. By “bearing one another’s burdens,” we “will fulfill the law of Christ” «Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. », (Galatians 6:2). Start praying for others today and contribute to the edification of the body of Christ.