Since God has recently been leading me to intercede more and more for others, I thought I’d better do a little study about what I should be praying for. Of course the first things that usually come to our minds when we pray for others are their health, physical protection, and their material needs. I know God wants us to pray for these things (Matthew 6:11, Acts 12:5, 2 Cor 1:10 and James 5:14-16), but as I searched the Scriptures the vast majority of prayer examples I found were spiritual in nature. I compiled a list of twenty things I saw in Scripture so I can pray better pray for the spiritual needs of others. I’d love to share it with you! Keep praying!

1. Thank God for them – Romans 1:8, 1 Cor 1:4, Phil 1:3
2. God’s mercy – 1 Tim 2:1
3. Protection from evil people – Rom 15:31, 2 Thess 3:2
4. Protection from Satan – John 17:5, 2 Thess 3:3
5. Opportunity to witness – Col 4:3
6. Courage in witnessing – Eph 1:19-20
7. Right words and clarity in witnessing – Eph 1:19,3:16; Col 1:11, 4:4
8. Spiritual strength and growth – 1 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 13:7-9, Col 4:2, 2 Thess 2:17
9. Increased love for and unity with other Christians – John 17:21, Phil 1:9, 1 Thess 3:12
10. Better understanding of God’s love – Eph 3:17-19, 2 Thess 3:5
11. Joy, peace, comfort, and encouragement – Col 1:11, Eph 6:23, 2 Thess 1:2 & 2:16-17
12. To know God better – Col 1:10, Eph 1:17
13. Increased spiritual knowledge, wisdom & discernment – Eph 1:17, Phil 1:9-10, Col 1:9
14. Knowledge and understanding of God’s will for their life – Col 1:9
15. To be holy, pure, and blameless – John 17:17, Phil 1:10, 1 Thess 5:23
16. To live a life that pleases God and honors Him – Col 1:10
17. To obediently follow God’s will – Col 4:12
18. To grow in righteousness and Christ-like character – Phil 1:11
19. Live a life of good works that produces spiritual fruit – Col 1:10
20. Full understanding of their eternal inheritance – Eph 1:18