Prayer, for others

Believers must value others

Philippians 2:3–4 KJV 1900

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Examples of praying for others

Moses prays for the Israelites

Deuteronomy 9:18–19 KJV 1900

And I fell down before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the Lord was wroth against you to destroy you. But the Lord hearkened unto me at that time also.

See also Ex 32:9–14; Ex 34:9; Nu 14:11–19; Dt 9:25–29

Samuel prays for Israel

1 Samuel 7:5–9 KJV 1900

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him.

See also 1 Sa 12:19–23

Job prays for his friends

Job 42:10 KJV 1900

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Jeremiah prays for Judah

Je 7:16 God forbade the prophet Jeremiah to pray for his people because they were unrepentant sinners.

See also Je 11:14; Je 14:11

Jesus Christ intercedes for believers

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

See also Is 53:12; Heb 7:25; 1 Jn 2:1

The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers

Romans 8:26–27 KJV 1900

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Christians are to intercede for others

Christians are to pray for their enemies

Matthew 5:44 KJV 1900

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

See also Lk 6:28; Lk 23:34; Ac 7:60

Christians are to pray for one another

Ephesians 6:18 KJV 1900

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

See also 1 Th 5:25; Phm 22; Heb 13:18–19; Jas 5:14–16; 1 Jn 5:16

Christians are to prayer for rulers

1 Timothy 2:1–2 KJV 1900

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Examples of pleas made to Jesus Christ on behalf of others

Mt 8:5–13; Mt 15:21–28; Mt 17:14–20

Examples of notable prayers of intercession

2 Ki 19:14–19 Hezekiah for deliverance; Ezr 8:21–23 Ezra for a safe journey; Da 9:1–19 Daniel for Jerusalem; Jn 17:6–26 Jesus Christ for his disciples

Paul for the believers in Ephesus:

Eph 1:15–21; Eph 3:14–21

Col 1:9–13 Paul for the believers in Colosse