Intercessory prayer — praying for others — is one of the great Christian privileges and responsibilities. Scripture commands prayer for family, friends, enemies, leaders, and the lost. These verses are for the prayer warrior, the parent, the church member, and anyone praying for someone else.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority.”
Pray for all people, including leaders.
“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.”
Fervent prayer for others is effective.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Pray for enemies.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Pray for all the saints.
“Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.”
Paul's pattern of constant intercession.
“God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you.”
Samuel: ceasing to pray for others is sin.
Pray for your family daily. Pray for the church. Pray for leaders. Pray for enemies. Pray for the lost. Keep a prayer list. Pray Scripture for them — Ephesians 1, 3 are great Pauline intercessions. Don't underestimate the power of prayer (James 5:16). The God who hears the prayer of the righteous works through it.
Intercessory prayer is a major NT command. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 — pray for all people, including leaders. Ephesians 6:18 — pray 'for all saints.' Matthew 5:44 — pray for enemies. James 5:16 — pray for one another that you may be healed. Samuel (1 Samuel 12:23) called ceasing to pray for others a sin. Intercession is part of Christian love.
(1) Pray specifically — names, needs. (2) Pray Scripture — Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21 are great intercessions to adapt. (3) Pray for spiritual growth, not just circumstances. (4) Pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44). (5) Pray persistently (Luke 18:1). (6) Pray with thanksgiving. (7) Pray for the lost (Romans 10:1). Keep a prayer list to focus.
James 5:16 — 'The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' Yes — though not in mechanistic ways. God uses prayer in his providence. Sometimes answers come quickly; sometimes after years. Persist. Trust God's wisdom and timing. Many testify to God's work through intercessory prayer.
Yes. Matthew 5:44 — 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.' Praying for enemies is hard but transformative. Pray for their good. Pray for your own heart. Pray Christ would reach them. Refuse the path of revenge (Romans 12:19).