What Are You Praying For?

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  1 Timothy 2:1

I just had a dear friend ask how he could pray for me. I was able to share with him some things he could pray for and I am confident this brother would not fail to do just as he said. I often have this question asked of me and I ask that question quite frequently as well. To request how you can pray for someone and then actually do it is one of the most encouraging and helpful things a believer can do and here is why.

To ask how you can pray for someone is an incredible encouragement to them. It shows that you truly care about them and what they may be dealing with. And to petition the One who has all power and all authority is a plea to the greatest good on behalf of another. One of the ways Amy shows that she loves me is she pleads to The father on my behalf. And for me to hear her prayers to God for me is incredibly uplifting for my soul. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to have a brother or sister ask how they can pray for me. It is a sure sign of deepest care.
 
Another benefit of seeking how you can pray for another is it takes our attention off of ourselves. I have found that when others share how I can pray for them my worries and concerns are put back into a right perspective. I don’t mean that the one I am praying for is more messed up than me but what it does is help divert the selfish love I have for myself to a right and healthy direction. We can easily get consumed with what we would consider red alert concerns that are here today and not even a memory tomorrow. To pray for another takes my attention off my own wretched heart. It is funny how that works. It is as if The Lord works on our own hearts when we petition Him on another’s behalf.

We should be eager to pray for one another. After all, Jesus prayed for us. Check out John 17, especially vs. 20-21. Who are you praying for today?