Responding To Requests
The 3 ways we can pray when someone makes a request
Most requests for prayer come to us in the form of a need someone has. This need is likely a physical need— such as health, or finances, or a job, etc. It is very common for folks to ask for us to pray for them when they have a big problem (in marriage, with children, at work, etc), when there is a big decision to make, or an opportunity and they are hoping it will turn out in their favor.
Why Do We Ask Others To Pray?
We feel helpless - recognizing we are unable handle it ourselves
We feel unworthy - to ask alone and our faith is weak
We see in Scripture and are taught in church to pray for each other
Whatever the request is for, we refer to these as the “felt need” from the person asking for prayer. They have a sickness and request prayers for healing; they have lost a job and request prayers for a new one; they have a child in trouble with school or the law and request prayers for them.
Of course we respond by actually praying, and praying as was requested. The felt need is what prompts the request, but that is not all we pray for them. There is nothing wrong with casting these care upon the Lord, for he cares for us,
Other times the request is less a need and more a want. We want a new job, we want a better something, we want a parking spot in the shade, we want _____. Our response is the same: we pray as requested, but again, that is not all we pray for them.
Why Pray For Others?
Praying for others is important because it fulfills a New Testament command—we are to pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:1). As we “carry each other’s burdens,” we “will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Remember, the apostle Paul requested prayer for he and Timothy from the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 1:11), and for prayer from believers in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:19).
Certainly we note that Jesus prayed for others—see Luke 22:32, and 22:40, and John 17:11 and 17:17 as examples.
Three Prayers For The Requester
First, pray as we are asked — that is, for the job, the health, the wayward teen, the difficult circumstances would resolve (i.e. at home or at work); pray for a favorable outcome that the requester seeks. These are prayers for material blessings.
Secondly, pray from the Scriptures. As examples: Ask for grace and peace be with them; ask for wisdom from above; may they be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might; for the Lord to supply what is lacking in their faith; for help in unbelief; that they stand firm in all the will of God and be mature in the Lord; that they know the fullness of the love of God; to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man; that they be sanctified completely, kept spirit, soul and body, and preserved blameless; that they be filled with all joy and peace in believing, etc.
These are prayers for spiritual blessings; they are all according to the Word and the Father’s will—prayers that find a yes in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Thirdly, that the Lord’s will be done—what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). This is especially so when the request is more of a want than a need. How many times does the Lord answer our prayers differently than we asked or expected? For many of us, we might say all the time! Remember, the Lord is not obligated to respond to give us exactly what we ask, but He will answer for our good and for His glory.
Additionally, very often the request is for one who may not know the Lord, and we pray for their salvation. We pray they hear the good news of the Gospel and respond; that they fall under the conviction the Holy Spirit and repent and believe; that they become aware of their sins and believe they need Jesus and cry for his mercy; that they be transferred from the domain of darkness in to the light of Jesus.
Until Thursday, grace and peace…
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