Praying for others
Bible verses about praying for others
· 2 min read
Bible verses about praying for others, from Paul's prayers for the churches to Jesus praying for His disciples, with how to turn each verse into a prayer.
These Bible verses about praying for others show how often Scripture calls us to pray for one another. Each one can become a prayer: read it, put a name in it, and ask God to do what it says.
What does the Bible say about praying for others?
The Bible tells Christians to pray for one another (James 5:16), for all people, including kings and everyone in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18), and even for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Jesus prayed for Peter by name (Luke 22:32), and Paul’s letters are full of prayers for the churches he loved, prayers we can still pray for people today.
Verses that tell us to pray for others
- James 5:16. “Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2. “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.”
- Ephesians 6:18. “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication… making supplication for all the saints.”
- Matthew 5:44. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Galatians 6:2. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Praying for others is also called intercession. See what intercessory prayer is.
Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44 includes people who have hurt us. See how to pray for someone who hurt you.
Prayers from Scripture you can pray for someone
- Colossians 1:9-10. That they would be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” walking in a way that pleases the Lord.
- Ephesians 3:16-19. That they would be strengthened by the Spirit and know the love of Christ.
- Philippians 1:9-11. That their love would “abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.”
- Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.”
- 3 John 2. That all would go well with them and they would be in good health.
Examples of praying for others in the Bible
- Jesus prayed for Peter: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32).
- The church prayed earnestly for Peter in prison (Acts 12:5).
- Epaphras was “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers” (Colossians 4:12).
How to turn a verse into a prayer
Take Colossians 1:9 and add a name: “Lord, fill Grace with the knowledge of Your will, and give her wisdom and understanding as she starts college.” Short and specific is enough.
Add a verse to a prayer card so it’s in front of you when you pray.
Pray these verses in The Pray App
The Pray App suggests a Bible verse for each prayer card, and you can choose your own. When you pray, the verse shows on the card next to the person’s name.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to create a prayer card and how to pray for others.
Questions people ask
What does the Bible say about praying for others?
The Bible tells us to pray for one another (James 5:16), for all people (1 Timothy 2:1), for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18), and even for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
What is a good verse to pray for a friend?
Colossians 1:9-10 asks that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and grow in knowing Him. Numbers 6:24-26 is a blessing you can pray for anyone.
How do I turn a Bible verse into a prayer?
Read the verse, put the person's name in it, and ask God to do what it says. For example, "Lord, fill Grace with the knowledge of Your will."
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