Praying for One Another
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 1 John 5:16, 17
This is a most interesting passage relating to intercessory prayer. God has purposed that we pray for one another. We know that we are supposed to love one another. It is hard to conceive that God’s people could love one another without praying for one another. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul urges us to pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:1). It is important that we are not merely looking out for our own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication FOR ALL SAINTS.
So how many saints exist in the world today? How many do you know personally? There are saints in other lands facing persecution that is totally unbelievable for us to even imagine. They are included and how about those who serve in the Senate and in the Congress who know the Lord? Are you praying for them? How often do you pray for missionaries who are taking the gospel into the ends of the earth? There are many serving Christ in lands where Christianity is illegal. They know the potential of what could happen to them but the urgency of the hour is far greater than the threat of torture, incarceration, or even murder. The lostness of souls speak louder than the threats of those who follow Satan.
Praying for one another is a demonstration of our love for one another (John 13:34, 35; Galatians 5;14). This is a wonderful testimony to a lost community (Matthew 5:16), attracting others to Jesus Christ and to the church.
As I write this, I know of three churches with internal conflicts. Some where the saints cannot get along with each other and two of the three are determined that to get rid of their pastor. Should we wonder why there is an absence of blessing in those churches? They obviously do not believe God’s Word or at least have no intention of obeying it.
So how do we pray for one another. In most prayer meetings we have a list and when people start praying, it sounds more like an organ recital. When Paul prayed, he prayed specifically for their needs and spiritual needs were always more important than physical needs. This is crucial because spiritual needs met often bring about physical victories.
- Always thank God for other believers (Ephesians 1:6; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 4). The saints are not going to be doing this in churches where they cannot get along with one another, indicating “sin in the camp.” Thanking God for one another will cause the believers to love one another in obedience to God’s perfect will.
- Pray that other believers might have an increasing knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 1:17). The greater our knowledge, the greater will be our worship.
- Pray that they might be filled with the knowledge of His will (Colossians 1:9).
- Pray that their love might abound more and more toward others (Philippians 1:9).
- Pray that they would be more discerning in all things (Philippians 1:9-10).
- Pray that they would have a deeper understanding of what we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:18-23).
- Pray that the Word of the Lord would have free course, and be glorified in them (2 Thessalonians 3;1).
- Pray that their Christian walk would be pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 1:10).
- Pray that they would be more productive in their service for Christ (Colossians 1:10; John 15:1-5, 8, 16).
- Pray that they might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked people (2 Thessalonians 3;2).
- Pray that communication of their faith will be effective (Philemon 6).
It is most encouraging to recognize that Christ is praying for us right now (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1). The Spirit of God prays for us especially in our times of weakness, grief, stress, ignorance – all those times when we just do not know how to pray about matters (Romans 8:26, 27).
Recognize that the Spirit of God prays for us on earth while Jesus intercedes for us in Heaven. The disciples asked the Lord, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). They did not pray “make us successful” or “grant us lots of money” or any other foolish temporal request. When we know how to pray, God will not only take care of our needs but He will also place us where we can best serve and glorify Him.
I Peter 2:9 reveals that we are a royal priesthood. Christ our High Priest is not only making intercession on our behalf, but He has chosen that we be a royal priesthood so that we might be praying on behalf of one another.
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.