The Importance of Praying for Other People

Most of us already know that Job was blessed abundantly after  the suffering that he went through. But did you notice this; the Bible actually says that the Lord blessed Job after he had prayed for his friends. Job was faithful and this may not be the only reason that he was blessed, but this is exactly what Scripture says, 

And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Job 42:10

Wow! Isn't that amazing. This is actually not talked about much when we mention Job. But the fact that Scripture would include this part, really just emphasizes on praying for one another. Note that these are the same friends who had rebuked Job in his suffering, implying that Job was probably suffering because of his wickedness. Also, do note that the Lord had not yet restored Job's losses, nor does Scripture say that the Lord promised Job that He would bless him if he did this. So it actually required Job to be selfless and forgiving in his own suffering.

Jesus also emphasized the importance of praying for another when He said that we should pray for our enemies Matthew 5:44. Praying for one another is something mentioned throughout the bible. Samuel implied that he would be sinning if he did not pray for the Israelites 1Samuel 12:23. The Lord also advised the Israelites through Jeremiah, that they should pray for the peace of the city which had held them captive because in its peace they would also experience peace; in fact some other translations talk about the prosperity of that city Jeremiah 29:7. James 5:16 instructs that we should confess our sins to one another and pray in the same manner, "that we may be healed"...to mention but a few.

First, it is important to pray for other people even in times when we are experiencing trouble in our own lives because it shows some kind of selflessness. There are a million needs of your own that you could be telling God, but you choose to take the time and mention someone else; meets the second Commandment "love your neighbour as you love yourself." I have heard of testimonies from people, who said for instant, that in their experience of healing they took the time to even pray for others first.

Secondly, it could just be what someone is in need of it even without knowing. Your prayers could just lead someone into salvation or a break-through in life. Scripture also says that where two gather in the name of Jesus and  agree on anything that they ask the Lord, then it shall be given Matthew 18:19,20. Thirdly, even the strongest of people could become weary because of their own troubles, sometimes too weary to even pray and may be requiring of your intercession. You could be a blessing in someone's life just because you are praying for them. The book of James ends by reminding us that a person who turns a sinner from his ways, has saved a soul from and covered a multitude of sins. This could just begin with prayer.

Make that prayer for someone today. Be blessed.