“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”
— Luke 18:1 (KJV)
One of the most important reasons we must pray for fellow believers is because not everyone is having a strong and vibrant spiritual life at every given time. We must never assume a brother or sister is having a great prayer life in private. Our anchor text reminds us that we “ought always to pray.” This includes praying for others as well.
Just like Jesus said, “watch and pray.” That means “be vigilant,” be sensitive. Don’t assume—be alert in your spirit when God is prompting you to pray for someone. Your prayer could be the very thing that delivers them from trouble.
Even the great Apostle Paul acknowledged his need for the prayers of others:
“For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.”
— Philippians 1:19 (KJV)
Paul also requested prayer for the spread of the gospel and for protection:
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 (KJV)
He asked for prayer so he could be rescued from wicked and unreasonable men. In our present context, these could include kidnappers, terrorists, robbers, or hostile authorities.
Paul knew something we must remember: no one is too strong not to be prayed for. So don’t assume anyone is “strong.” Pray for fellow believers. Pray for your pastors and spiritual leaders. Who knows—your prayer might be what saves them in a moment of crisis.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to commit myself to prayer for my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world, especially those being persecuted in several nations. Amen.
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