1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Anyone can pray for themselves because we care for ourselves, but praying for others is something most people do not do. Most of us were blessed to have someone pray for us which resulted in God doing something for us, so the least we can do is pray for others. Praying for others is not an option but God’s command. Praying for others should not just be done for those we like, but if we want to obey God, we should pray for everyone.
However, praying for others can be difficult because we don't know how to pray for others. Let’s face it, we often struggle with knowing how to pray for ourselves, but then God commands us to pray for others. The good thing about God is that when He commands us to pray for others He tells us how to do it. There are four ways God wants you to pray for others.
First, you should have prayers of supplications for others. A supplication is praying for somebody’s need. For instance, when I am praying for someone’s health, I am praying a prayer of supplication. When I am praying for someone’s financial need, I am praying a prayer of supplication. Prayers of supplication mean you must be involved in the lives of others if you are to know their needs. If you live a self-centered life, you will never know the needs that others have so that you will know how to pray for them. You certainly want others to pray for you when you have a need, so the least you can do is pray for others in their time of need.
Second, you should have prayers of prayer for others. Notice that God says we should have prayers…for all men. Prayers is talking about praying in general for people. You may not know someone’s needs, but you can still pray for them. I have learned that all people need wisdom to know what to do and guidance to stay the right course for life, so I often pray that God gives people wisdom and protects them from sin when I don't know a specific need they have. I also pray that God blesses their family and the ministry that they are involved with. When you don't know the needs of someone, pray generally for them.
Third, you should have prayers of intercessions for others. Intercession is praying for the spiritual needs of others. When you intercede for someone, you are standing in their place when they are not standing in the right place. You ought to make intercessions for those who are backslidden and need to come back to God. You ought to make intercessions for people who are not saved that they would get saved. Instead of meddling in one’s life, it would be better to pray that God would speak to their heart. I have found that the Holy Spirit will do a better job of changing the heart of someone if I will just pray for God to change them. Prayers of intercessions will keep you out of many relationship problems caused by your meddling. If you want to meddle in someone’s life, meddle in their life by praying for them.
Fourth, you should have prayers of giving of thanks for others. This type of prayer is just being thankful for what they have done for you and for God placing them in your life. You will find that you will appreciate people much more when you take time to thank God for the blessings of what others are to you and for specific things they did for you. Giving thanks for others will help to keep you from being self-centered.
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