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
I have printed this list out to use a a prayer guide for my children. I pray often for God to ‘spiritually bless’ us, telling Him our greatest desire is for spiritual growth. This list will lead me to be more direct and specific.
What should i pray for?
These Scriptures are great examples of things we can pray for other people or for ourselves. These are just the beginning. We can pray about anything that is on our hearts and minds. Sometimes I begin to pray not really knowing what I should pray. But if I’m patient and way on God to lead my prayers, often He shows me what to pray for.
This is very true Kathy
Hallelujah