Who Are You Supposed To Pray For?

A common comment I make in Bible Studies is that there are no "dumb" questions. In fact those are often some of the best ones asked, if only because many others have the same question and are afraid to ask. This brings up to me a "dumb" but important question about prayer, "Who are you supposed to pray for?" Here are some answers from the Bible.

Scripture is quite clear that we should be praying for people in positions of authority; Presidents, Governors, and Judges would be examples. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." {1 Timothy 2:1-2}. Jesus instructs us to pray for people we do not like, "pray for those who persecute you," {Matthew 5:44b} and "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." {Luke 6:28} We should especially pray for other Christians, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." {Ephesians 6:18}.

I have been impressed over and over again that we need to be praying, really praying for each other! God tells us to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." {Colossians 4:2} Devote is a strong word. Webster's includes this definition: "to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity" How much time and effort do we devote to praying for each other? Many churches do not have regular prayer meetings, and at those churches that do, few attend and often spend little time in prayer. That kind of American church track record does not speak well for our obedience to the commands to "always keep on praying for all the saints"

The verse from Ephesians tells us to be alert. Colossians tells us to be watchful. Those expressions can mean many things, among them is we are to be watching for and alert to situations and people to be praying for. We need to be alert and aware of what is going on so we can pray for others in need. One example of this is a comment a friend made about reading a piece of news on the problems Christians are having in China. Because of being alert and watchful of a piece of news, this friend took time to pray for Christians in China.

Another way we stay alert and watchful is through the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we can develop an increased sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I vividly remember the time a Christian was emphatic that prayer be done for another Christian. Even she could not tell why it had to be done right then, but she was certain it must. Later we found out that it had been a time of great danger for that Christian.

Unfortunately, many Christians are no more alert than they are devoted to prayer. For our personal and corporate spiritual wellbeing, we need to change. An important first step is to admit how we are right now. Since everyone has room for improvement this is invariably a humbling step. Only after that are we open to God working in us so we can be growing in devoted sensitive praying.

After that first step, here are some things to do: One is to pray for God to bring things and people to your attention to pray about. Since you already admitted your weakness in this area, God is free to work in your prayer life. Then whenever someone comes to mind, remember that just maybe it is God at work, take a minute and pray for that person. As you obey God in this, you will find an improved prayer life and a better life with God all around. This week, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, pray, and pray some more.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker April 2004



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