How Should I Pray for Others?
. . . The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
If your friend was hurt in a car wreck, would you know how to pray for him? You could pray that God would heal him, but that is just a start. If the friend has never trusted the Lord Jesus as his Savior, pray that he will. If he has trusted Jesus, pray that he will grow closer to God while he is healing. Ask God to help him show others that he has Jesus in his life by the way he acts.
Maybe a person is tempted to do something wrong. Pray that God would show that person how to escape the temptation. Maybe a friend doesn't get along with his parents. Pray that his actions will show respect and love for them. Ask God to help you be a good listener and helper for your friend.
Sometimes it is hard to know how to pray for the needs of others. Ask God to help them in the way He knows is best. The important thing is to pray for others. Our verse says, "The prayer of a righteous man [woman, boy or girl] is powerful and effective." Confess your own sins, then put God's power to work in the lives of others through your prayers.
Used with Permission