Pray for Others

Pray for Others

1 Timothy 2:1,2 says to offer prayer, supplication, intercession, and giving of thanks on behalf of all men. Yet we sometimes neglect to pray for others because we concentrate so much on our own interests.

How often do we think to pray for others, whether or not they request our prayers?

Bible prayers are filled with requests and thanksgiving for people other than the one offering the prayer.

Consider some groups of people for whom we should pray:
* Rulers - 1 Timothy 2:1,2. [Ezra 6:10; 1 Chron. 29:19]

* Children and family members - our spouse, relatives, etc. - 1 Chron. 29:19. [Matthew 19:13-15; Gen. 25:21,22; 24:12-14; 18:23-33; 1 Sam. 1:10-12; 2 Sam. 12:15,16; Luke 1:13]

* Lost sinners - Romans 10:1-3. Remember, however, that these people must meet the gospel conditions of salvation in order to be forgiven. [Matt. 9:36-38; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60]

* Enemies and persecutors - Luke 6:27,28. [Acts 7:60; Luke 23:34]

* People sick and suffering - 3 John 2. [James 5:16; Num. 11:2; 2 Sam. 12:15,16; Gen. 20:17,18]

* Elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers - Ephesians 6:18-20. [Col. 4:3,4; Acts 4:25-29; 6:6; 14:23; 13:3; 1 Thess. 5:25; Matt. 9:36-38; 2 Thess. 3:1,2; Heb. 13:18]

* All Christians - Ephesians 6:18. [James 5:16]

The Bible contains multitudes of examples in which men of God interceded on behalf of God's people. Here are just a few of them:

Moses [Num. 11:2; 21:7; 14:13-20;

Deut. 9:18-20,25-29;

Ex. 32:9-14,31,32].

Samuel [1 Sam. 7:5-11; 12:19-25].

Solomon [1 Kings 8:22-54].Ezra [Ezra 9:1-15].

Nehemiah [Neh. 1:4-11].

Daniel [Dan. 9:3-20].

Jesus - Luke 22:31,32 (for Peter);

John 17:9-22 (for all believers).

[Luke 23:34]Peter - Acts 8:24 (for Simon)

Epaphras [Col. 4:12]

Paul - Col. 1:3,9-14 [Rom. 1:9-12;

Eph. 1:15-19;

Phil. 1:3-11; 1

Thess. 1:2; 2

Thess. 1:11,12; 2:13;

2 Tim. 1:3]

Note that most examples were prayers, not just for God's people in general, but for specific individuals or congregations. Do we show this personal concern for others in our prayers?

Furthermore notice that Paul openly told people he was praying for them. If we would do this, it would motivate us to be more diligent to pray for others, but it would also give Christians a greater sense of love and appreciation for one another.

Turn to your bible to read the scriptures from the references above.

If you dont have a bible there are plenty of online , free bible's available.