15 Ways to Pray for One Another
June 27, 2016
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“How should I pray?” This is a question I have been asked many times as a pastor. I have shared with people that praying is like having a conversation with God. If you were talking with a close friend over coffee, you would probably express gratitude, worries and concerns, hopes and plans, and—if you’re really honest—your regrets and where you hope to improve. You would ask your friend for advice. You would also pause and listen to what your friend had to say. Prayer is similar to that.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” James 5:16 instructs, “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.”
[Photo by Adi AlGhanem on Flickr]
We are also given this encouragement in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
These verses tell us that prayer is worthwhile. It is effective. It brings us peace and connects us to God our Father and Creator. Prayer should become a daily exercise and commitment just like any other important routine in our lives.
If you are wondering where to start or what to pray for, here is a starter list. It is by no means a complete list, but one that may guide your prayer time. Cut it out and put it somewhere that will remind you often to talk with God and receive His peace:
- Marriages and Families – May the Lord help men to step up and become godly men who serve Christ, honor their wives, and lead their family. May He help women reflect the love of Christ in all situations and give them peace and strength for the challenges of each day.
- Singles – May the Lord help single men and women not to compromise their faith or purity and not to run ahead of what He has planned for them.
- Children – May the Lord watch over them and protect them from the forces in this world that aim to lead them down the wrong path. May God raise up a generation of young people that will shake up this world for Christ.
- Pastors, Churches, and Ministries – May the Lord cause our churches to make disciples of all nations as Jesus instructed us to do, preaching God’s Word in an uncompromising manner. May they lovingly serve the poor and afflicted.
- Peace – May God bring peace to the Middle East and protect Israel.
- Global Economics – May the Lord settle the economic turmoil in Europe.
- Underground Church and Persecuted Christians – May the Lord give His mercy and protection to the underground churches, and may He strengthen and encourage those who are being persecuted for their faith—especially those in India, China, and Egypt.
- Revival in America – May the Lord bring a much-needed revival to America, that we would care more for the spiritual than the material.
- The Poor – May the Lord cause us to care for those who are less fortunate than we are and to let our love for them be known.
- Government – May the Lord place into administration those who have a holy fear and reverence for Him and the truth of His Word, the Bible.
- Military, Police, and Fire Fighters – May the Lord protect the men and women who courageously serve our nation and strengthen the families who support them.
- Entertainment Industry – May the Lord prompt those who work in Hollywood, the media, and the entertainment industry to use their talents for God.
- Missionaries – May the Lord bless and empower missionaries who serve around the world to lift high the name of Jesus.
- Financial Needs – May the Lord provide for those who are hurting financially and help each one to believe in His laws of giving and biblical stewardship.
- City of Los Angeles – May the Lord help Angelenos to change the world, as we lead others to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, thank You for the power of Your love, grace, and mercy. May the personal relationship we have with You be a testimony that You desire to have that same relationship with others. Thank You for loving us and never giving up on us. Forgive us whenever we fail You, and speak truth into our lives when we take our eyes off of You. Help us to repent, to turn completely to You without hesitation. May we read the Bible with passion and conviction, and see our trials as blessings as You shape and mold our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!
