Praying for others can be a heavy task. I mean, we should pray for one another, right? But what if I don’t know what to pray? How can I pray for others whom I don’t see often and I don’t know what is happening in their lives? Paul gives us some great clues!

How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.  And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.  May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

The elements found in this passage can be prayed for virtually anyone, anytime and rest assured, the prayers will be in line with the Word of God. This is how Paul and his companions prayed:

• Thank God for the person
• Ask that any gaps in his/her faith be filled
• For opportunity to be together – (community is important)
• For an overflow of love to be poured out on him/her
• For hearts that are strong, blameless and holy before God
• For anticipation of Christ’s return

It is not as important as we think to know all the details someone’s life in order to pray effectively. Dig in and let’s lift one another to the Father!