How to Pray for Believers

The Bible tells us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests... be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18) How then should we pray for the Lord's people? While praying for specific needs of friends and family might not be difficult, how do you pray for the worldwide family of Believers; people whom you've never met? In this article, I share some of what I found after looking into what Yeshua (Jesus) and followers of the Nazarene prayed.

The Big Three

Yeshua (Jesus) prayed for the protection, sanctification, and unity of all who would believe the gospel message. This is how Yeshua prayed for us. If He prayed for us in this way, then surely this is how we should pray for each other.

Pray that Believers are protected from the Evil One. (John 17:15) Satan has control of an army of demons whose goal is to defeat all those who belong to Christ. (See Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Peter 5:8). It is imperative that we be alert at all times and continually pray for all the saints.

Pray for the sanctification of the Body of Christ. (John 17:17) Pray that by believing and obeying the Word of God, we are made holy; set apart for His service. (See Hebrews 12:14 and 1 Peter 1:15)

Pray for unity among Believers in Yeshua. (John 17:11, 21-23) Pray that we are united in harmony and love. "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

Ten More Ways to Pray for Believers

Pray that those who are persecuted because of their faith are able to rejoice in the face of suffering knowing they have a great reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12)

Pray that God enables Believers (especially for Christian leaders) to speak with great boldness and to make known the mystery of the gospel. (Acts 4:29; Ephesians 6:19)

Pray that God fills His people with knowledge of His will by giving them the wisdom and understanding that comes through His Spirit. (Colossians 1:9, Ephesians 1:17, also Romans 12:2 and James 1:5)

Pray that those who are called Christians live lives worthy of the Lord (displaying godly character, moral courage, and personal integrity); lives that honor and please God. (Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 4:1)

Pray that the church of God bears much good fruit. (Colossians 1:10) Also, see Matthew 5:16, and 1 Peter 2:12)

Pray that God's people continually grow in their knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10) Also, see Acts 17:11.

Pray that God will strengthen His holy people so that they will be patient and not give up when troubles come. (Colossians 1:11) Also, see Ephesians 3:16 and Philippians 4:13.

Pray that the Lord will make our love grow for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for all people. (1 Thessalonians 3:12) Also, see Matthew 22:39, Romans 13:9 and Luke 6:31.

Pray that persecuted Believers do not feel abandoned by God, but draw strength and courage from the knowledge that God will never leave them (Hebrews 13:5) and that He takes what persecutors mean for evil and uses it for the good of those who love the Lord. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)

Pray that followers of Yeshua enjoy good health and that all goes well for them. (3 John 1:2) Also, see Matthew 10:1.

We are living in tumultuous times. Violence, crime and escalating terrorism is the order of the day. Earthquakes and all kinds of natural disasters are on the increase. The world is in turmoil now and will only get worse as we approach the end of the age. It is more important now than ever that we lift each other up in prayer to the Almighty. But be encouraged, Yeshua (Jesus) is coming soon! "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)

May the grace of the Lord Yeshua be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)