Prayers in the Bible for Others

Jesus prayed for Peter by name, and Epaphras kept wrestling in prayer for his church. Two of the prayers in the Bible for others, and one to pray the same way.

The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12

Lord, Jesus prayed for Peter by name, that his faith would not fail. I want to pray like that for the people You’ve given me. Hold their faith steady when it shakes. Help them stand firm in Your will. And keep me praying for them, even when nothing seems to change. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul prayed for whole churches; John prayed for one friend’s health. Praying for others in the Bible often sounds like this.

To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2

Father, Paul and John didn’t only pray for themselves. They prayed for churches, for friends, for one man’s health. Teach me to pray outward like that. Give the people I love good health and a soul that’s well. Fulfill every good desire You’ve put in them. Let Jesus be honored in their lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul’s instruction: pray for everyone, even the people in charge. A Bible verse to pray for others, with a prayer built on it.

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Lord, Your Word tells me to pray for everyone, not only the people I like. I bring You my family, my neighbors, and the leaders over us, even the ones I disagree with. Give them wisdom. Give us quiet, peaceful lives. Let my prayers be wider than my own needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Two verses that already read like prayers. Pray them over someone you love.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God of hope, I pray these words over someone I love. Fill them with joy and peace as they trust You. Let hope overflow in them by the power of Your Spirit. Supply every need they have, the ones they’ve told me and the ones they haven’t. You have more than enough for all of it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Confess, carry, pray. What the Bible says about praying for each other, in two short verses.

Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. James 5:16

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Lord, You didn’t make us to carry everything alone. Help me be honest with the people close to me, and help them be honest with me. When one of us is struggling, let the other one pray. Bring healing where we’ve been hiding. Make our prayers for each other real and steady. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul asked his friends to pray for him. Bible verses about praying for one another often start with asking.

Brothers, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. Hebrews 13:18

Father, it’s easier for me to pray for others than to ask them to pray for me. Paul wasn’t too proud to say, “Pray for us.” Give me that humility. Help me tell a friend what I’m facing, and let them bring it to You with me. Tie us together in prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When Peter was in prison, the church kept praying. Scripture about praying for others, and what Jesus promised when two agree.

Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him. Acts 12:5

Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them. Matthew 18:19-20

Lord, when Peter was locked up, the church didn’t give up. They kept praying, and You set him free. I’m praying for someone who feels locked in right now. I agree with everyone else who is praying for them. Be in the middle of us. Open what we can’t open. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A short line for each person on your list. Sample prayers for praying for others, all in one.

Lord, for the one who is sick, bring healing. For the one who is grieving, bring comfort. For the one who is far from You, draw them close. For the one who is exhausted, give rest. For the one I find hard to love, give me Your heart. You know every name. Hold them all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ask first, keep it simple, use their name. Praying over someone can sound like this.

‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24-26

Lord, I’m here with my friend, and we come to You together. You know their name and everything they’re carrying. Rest Your hand on them. Give them peace in their body and their mind. Say to them what I don’t know how to say. Bless them and keep them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before your own to-do list.

Good morning, Lord. Before I start on my own list, I bring You the people on my heart. You know who they are and what today holds for them. Meet them there. And if there’s someone You want me to call or help today, show me. In Jesus’ name, amen.