How to Pray for Someone

We 're all asked at times to pray for a friend, family member, or church member. The does more than just command u to pray. God also teaches us HOW to pray effectively for the people we care about in our lives. In fact, Paul even shares his prayer for his friends in Ephesus so we can see a model for how to pray for those we love. See Ephesians 3: 8-21.

First, this prayer list is rooted in God's plan for each person's life. Jesus clearly stated that He came to provide salvation and establish a relationship with His followers. He described this life this way: "I have come that might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10. That is His purpose for us. Paul prays for his friends in such a way that he is pursuing this work in their lives. If that is why Jesus came, then why wouldn't He answer this prayer? So learn to pray the way Paul modeled - towards God's purposes.

Pray for God's Unfailing Purpose. Verse 11 reiterates that God has a purpose. Paul then says he prays in accordance with that purpose - "For this reason I bow my knees ... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (11, 19). Pray that God will work His purpose in their life. Pray He will use the circumstances prompting the prayer request to mold them into the image of Jesus and that He will fill them completely. Pray they will be blessed with the pleasure of God's blessing "well done good and faithful servant" by how they respond and grow in this moment.

Pray for God's Unfading Provision. Paul prayed that God would grant them strength, and any other need. "from His riches in glory." (16) What an awesome way to learn the heart of God and be drawn to Him - by seeing a rich provision of strength, grace, patience, or whatever their need.

Pray for God's Unrivaled Presence. Paul prayed that Christ would dwell in their hearts. Wow is that a great prayer. Think what that prayer being answered in the heart of a loved one would mean in real life terms. Jesus died to be in a relationship with His followers - He's probably dying to answering that prayer.

Pray for God's unlimited Possibilities. Paul reminds us of just how big God is - "able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can ask or think." (20). He can teach beyond our understanding, work beyond our planning, give victories beyond our vision, heal beyond our pain, provide beyond our needs, reveal Himself more intimately then any physical presence, direct circumstances beyond our control, and comfort beyond our agony. 

This is a prayer request list that you can pray with confidence God will answer.