It is expected that believers should pray for one another. Certainly, some do. Prayer is like the breath. Without it, the church or believer would soon gasp for air and die.
The question is how are you praying for others?
The word Intercession is the act of intervening or mediating between different parties, particularly the act of praying to God on behalf of another person.
Why should we pray for others?
Prayer is never exhausted!
Your safety, happiness, protection, success, provision and count them all, are never a function of your own personal prayer but with others. So many people that you don't know pray for you for one reason or the other.
When Paul was in prison, his friends prayed fervently for him. He never knew. At the end God brought him out of prison.
Sometimes when you are sick, do you think you always have the strength to pray for yourself? No! Others pray for you for quick relief.
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We should pray for others because Jesus Christ intercedes for people
20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one... John 17:20-21
We should pray for others because it increases the love for one another.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... Matthew 5:44
We should pray for others because it glorifies God
10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11
Who should pray?
This is not the task of priests, pastors, bishops and evangelists alone to pray for believers. Remember, Bible says:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Every believer is a priest and is expected to pray for others.
Benefits of Praying for others
- God will hear us
- God will deliver them from attacks
- God will heal them of their sicknesses and diseases
- God will provide daily bread for them
- God will forgive them
- God will make them succeed
- God will make them grow in His way
...think of many good things that God grants, He will surely grant as you pray others.
You are persuaded to pray for both physical and spiritual needs of one another. Praying for one another strengthens Peace and Unity of believers. It is one of the basic ways to demonstrate care for one another which grows in the church.