When’s the last time someone prayed over you? There’s something profound and inspiring about someone partnering with you in prayer. The act of praying with others is comforting and supernatural. Matthew 18:20 even tells us that where two or three are gathered in Jesus name, that God is among them!
Whether you’re praying for someone from afar or praying for someone in your home, intercessory prayer is a gift from God. Through Bible verses about praying for others, you’ll discover why praying for others matters and the blessings that flow from choosing to pray more often. So, let’s dive in!
What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Others?
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. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
How many of you know that life can get crazy sometimes? Bible verses about praying for others are often Bible verses about intercession. Intercessory prayer is when Christians stand in the gap to pray on behalf of others. When Christians practice intercessory prayer, things shift in the spirit for the better.
Learn more about the power of intercessory prayer in our blog: What is Intercessory Prayer in the Bible?
Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
Verses about praying for others are often written like a command rather than a suggestion. This Bible verse about praying for others encourages us to confess our sins to one another, so that we will be healed.
You were never meant to walk alone. Discover how to find Godly friendships in our blog: What Are Godly Friendships in the Bible?
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. - Ephesians 6:18
When this Bible verse about praying for others says, “praying for all the Lord’s people", it means praying for other Christians. Not every verse about praying for others instructs us to pray only for Christians, but Ephesians 6:18 does. As wars, rumors of wars, persecution, and fear grow on the earth, Christians need to stay prayerful and stay alert, especially for other believers in Christ.
Learn more about how you can grow in staying alert: Bible Verses About Being Prepared & Staying Alert
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Bible verses about praying for others instruct us to carry each other's burdens in prayer and in the natural. While praying for others is essential to being a Christian, meeting people's needs in the real world is essential too.
Related Post: Front Yard Missions: How To Love Your Neighbor & Your Neighborhood
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. - Philippians 2:3
In a world where distractions, social media, and TV are everywhere, it’s easy to become selfish and only think about what’s good for us. However, Bible verses about praying for others invite Christian to value others above themselves.
Learn more about selflessness and how the fruits of the Spirit can help you become more like Jesus: What Are the Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible?
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:44
It’s easy to think that Bible verses about praying for others mean that we’re only praying for our friends. However, this verse about praying for others instructs Christians to pray for their enemies! Jesus was unflinching and direct about the need for Christians to love their enemies.
Discover more about the Biblical principle of forgiveness in our blog: How to Love Your Enemies | 10 Bible Verses on Forgiveness
Brothers and sisters, pray for us. - 1 Thessalonians 5:25
This short and sweet Bible verse about praying for others shows us that it’s okay to ask others for prayer. The setting of this praying for others Bible verse is harrowing. Paul, the author of this Bible verse about praying for others, was asking for prayer during a time of intense persecution. Rather than acting like everything was okay, Paul asked for the help of fellow believers.
Christian community is essential to the life of the believer. Learn how in our blog: How to Find Christian Community | 5 Bible Verses for Community
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. - Colossians 4:12
Can you imagine having someone who is always wrestling in prayer for you? This Bible verse about praying for others shows us what’s possible in the place of prayer and community!
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. - Romans 15:30
Bible verses about praying for others sometimes mention prayer as struggling on behalf of another. This verse about praying for others is another reminder about the power of intercessory prayer.
Listen to our interview with Brady Combs to learn more about your identity and your power as a Christian in the place of prayer:
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and humble. - 1 Peter 3:8
Bible verses about praying for others show us the fruit of our prayers. We become like-minded with Christ, sympathetic towards others, and we also grow in love, compassion, and humility.
Why Should We Pray for Others?
The simple answer? Because Jesus is always praying for us! Hebrews 7:25 says:
Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. - Hebrews 7:25
If Jesus is praying for others, we should be too! The gifts of salvation, freedom, hope, and confidence in Jesus’ love for us were never meant to be things that we keep to ourselves. Whether you’re praying for those who know Jesus or praying for those who will soon accept Jesus, prayer is the most humble and impactful thing we can do for others.
Another reason why we should pray for others is because it changes us as we pray. When you practice praying for others, your desires and your priorities shift for the better. When you pray, you get God’s heart for a person, place, or situation. As you pray the Bible, your thoughts, feelings, and actions follow the direction of your prayers, as your mind is renewed with the Word.
For example, if you’re struggling with compassion for a family member, stop what you're doing and pray for them, quitely in your mind. As you do, you’ll find your heart growing tender, and you may even find yourself less offended or angry with them.
Or say you have a friend going through spiritual warfare? Take a moment and pray for them. You can even set an alarm on your phone for certain times during the day so that way you remember to cover them in prayer. As you do, you’ll find that not only has their situation changed, but you’ve also grown in authority in the place of prayer!
At the end of the day, the “why” behind praying for others is love. Jesus’ whole ministry was based on the love of God towards the world. As we pray, we grow in love, and we grow in becoming more like Jesus.
Related Post: How to Love Difficult People
What Are the Blessings of Praying For Others?
The primary blessing of praying for others is that you grow closer to God and you become more like Him as you pray. Bible verses about praying for others show us a host of awesome blessings for those who pray. Some of these blessings look like growing in compassion, whereas other blessings look like celebrating when you see the victory because of your prayers!
Prayer is always fruitful, and prayer always changes things, even if we don’t see it right away. The blessings of praying for others are endless! While you will never know the full effect of your prayers until you get to heaven, you’ll be able to see some of the blessings of your prayers here on earth.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s clear that praying for others is more than just a good idea; it’s a Biblical command and a life-changing rhythm that helps Christians become more like Jesus. Through Bible verses about praying for others, we’ve learned that prayer is essential, powerful, and impactful, all the time!
