Six tips for Praying for Others

Are you scared to pray for others? Many carry a fear in praying for others.  At the same time, many churches have never shown people how to pray.  This is why at some prayer vigils I have been part of we provide resources to teach and show people how to pray.

 

Praying for each other in our local body of Christ should be one of the regular rhythms of our life.  It is not something just for higher leadership, but for all who are part of the community.  One of the churches we were part of sectioned off a part of the meeting area as a prayer corner.  It was open at the end of the service for anyone who needed prayer.  Some weeks we had people there to pray with people and some weeks we did not.  The weeks we did not we encouraged people to grab someone and ask if they would pray for them.  The prayer corner was available if they wanted.

 

Praying for others is about joining with them and walking to Jesus.

 

In no particular order here are

Six Tips for Praying for others: 

1. Listen and ask questions.

So many times we think we know the answer or all the information.  Be sure to ask clarifying questions so you understand what is going on and what to pray about.

 

2. Be specific in your prayer

I have been part of some groups who are praying for people and no one really prays directly for the request.  This is why, like above, asking questions is important.  You may want to ask, “if you could put it in one or two sentences what is it that you want us to pray for.”

 

3. Recognize the struggle.

In conversation take a moment to recognize the struggle or emotion they are feeling at that moment.  I have often found this helps direct your prayers as well.  It also brings value to the person.

 

4. You are not Jesus

Sometimes people will start sharing with us the request and we think “I know what you should do.”  You may know what they should do and there may be some practical help you can give,

BUT:

Do not start there.  Take the moment and walk with them to Jesus and stand before Jesus together.  In some ways, you are like the friends who lowered the men through a roof to Jesus. – Check out Mark 2.

 

After you pray you could ask if you can offer some advice or help, but do so with no strings attached.  They do not have to take you up.

 

Praying for others is about taking them to Jesus.

 

5. Remember the gospel

How does who God is and what Jesus has done speak into the situation you are in?  The key is not to tell the person what to do in your prayer.  The key is to remember the gospel and ask for help to embrace Jesus

 

6. Keep it simple.

You are not trying to impress anyone and you are not being marked on the kind of words you use.  If you do not know what to pray for, be honest with Jesus about that and invite him into the situation (Acts 4:29-30).

 

These are just a few basic things I have picked up.  Honestly, you get better with practice.

 

Praying for others is about walking with them to Jesus.

 

What tips would you add?  Do you have any good resources for training people in praying for others?