how to pray for others
How to Pray for Other People
Praying for others can include concrete needs and deeper formation: peace, wisdom, growing love, endurance, and work that bears good fruit. You do not need to know every detail to pray with care.
A place to begin
Intercession is more than trying to control another person's outcome. The prayers below ask for good gifts while leaving the person in God's care and helping the one who prays remain attentive and loving.
Three passages to read
01
1 Timothy 2:1–4
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
Paul urges varied prayers for all people, including rulers, so communities may live peaceful and dignified lives.
Who is easy to omit because you disagree with them?
02
Philippians 1:9–11
This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
Paul prays that the Philippians' love will grow with knowledge and discernment.
What kind of wise love could you ask to grow in this person?
03
Colossians 1:9–12
For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
Paul's prayer joins spiritual wisdom, fruitful action, endurance, patience, and gratitude.
Which request matches the person's present season without assuming you know everything?
A simple practice
- Write the person's name and one need they have actually shared.
- Choose one request from these prayers instead of prescribing a full outcome.
- Consider one respectful action of care that can accompany the prayer.
Questions for reading
Can I pray for someone without telling them?
Yes. If you offer to pray with them or share details with others, respect their privacy and consent.
What if I do not know what they need?
Pray for wisdom, love, strength, and peace without inventing details; you can also ask the person how to support them.