I still remember in church when there was a call for prayer requests, we had one precious elderly lady that would always request prayer for her lost loved ones.
She was faithful in that request. Sure, it was a very general prayer request, but it was one that was very important and personal to her.
I pray for everyone in my life. I don't go around advertising it, but I pray for them regardless.
So why do we pray for people? The main thing we should pray is that people will have their own experience with Jesus Christ. Then, if we know of any specific needs, pray for them.
We can't get weary in praying for people. Just because we don't see anything happening or evidence that our prayers are being answered doesn't mean that we should give up. Keep praying. You and I may be the only people praying for them. It shouldn't ever matter if people know that you are praying. For me, I don't need the credit or recognition. If God does it, it's for Him - not me. That's the most important thing!
If someone asks me to pray for a specific need in their lives, I take it seriously and I will pray. I have never been one of those people who gave an obligatory "I'll pray for you" as I leave and then never pray. I take prayer seriously and I take people's needs seriously. If someone places their trust and confidence in me to pray for them, I will pray. I don't play around with prayer.
I pray even if I never see the results or even if the answer goes in the opposite what that I am praying. I present the request to God and then it's in his hands. Yes, I have even prayed for people to be healed but they have died. Those prayer results are hard to take and if you don't have a strong faith in God then it will throw you for a loop. The faith isn't in MY prayer, but my faith is in what God will do.
Don't give up on people. Keep praying. Absolutely nothing is wasted when we pray. Praying for people is the purest form of love for someone else even if they don't know it. The Bible says that Jesus is our advocate with the Father. We bring our petitions to Him but it's not going to be our convincing words or how fancy we pray. I have known people who pray loud prayers and speak in tongues but the only thing that God needs is our sincere heart.
Praying for others demonstrates love, compassion, and a desire for their well-being. It also invites God's intervention in their lives, whether for healing, guidance, or comfort. Through prayer, we can support and uplift those around us in their struggles and needs.
