Prayer for Others

What does it mean to pray for others? “Dear God. My friend Johnny needs help finding a new job. He is unhappy and doesn’t want to work anymore. Please find a new job for my friend Johnny.” Is that prayer for others? It is prayer, but I personally would be afraid to pray this prayer. It matters what we pray for, when we pray.

Brethren, pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Now that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicos the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love undying. Amen.

Ephesians 6.18-24

Notice that Saint Paul didn’t tell them what to pray, only to pray at all times. In reality, we don’t know what others need other than God’s grace and mercy. Your friend Johnny might not like his job, but is that his real need? We are arrogant to think we always know what others need. Instead, when we pray, we should pray that God has mercy on our friends. God knows what Johnny needs much more than we do.

In the Orthodox Tradition, we maintain a list of names for which we are praying. We separate the names into two categories, living and dead. We always pray for the living first. When I advise others on how to pray for their friends, I suggest a simple list. “For the servants of God…..names….for their health and salvation.” “For the response of the servants of God….names…..grant them rest where the righteous repose.”

God knows the rest. He knows what they need for health and salvation. God knows whether they will be at eternal rest or not. When we presume more than their need for God’s grace and mercy, we are being arrogant.

You might think my concept of prayer is off base. Consider this. We are told by Christ to “deny ourselves” in our spiritual journey. What can be more humbling than to resist the temptation to think we know better than God what Johnny needs? When we pray, both Johnny are blessed and WE are blessed to gain humility and grace.