How To Pray For Someone
How should I begin?
The simple answer is to begin where you are - physically, spiritually and emotionally.
First . . . there is no perfect prayer posture or location. Kneeling with folded hands helps some people to focus their prayers, particularly if they have experienced prayers this way. For many people sitting in a comfortable, quiet place is all that is necessary. Others pray as they walk, run, bike or exercise. In their experience the physical activity frees their mind and heart to focus on prayer. Having a place free of distractions is important. Think of prayer as a conversation. It's much harder to talk to someone in a crowded room than in a quiet corner. People who have a regular spot for prayer find that they become prayeful simply by going there.
Second . . . there is no need to use words like "thee" and "thou" unless they come naturally to you. Open your heart to God. There is no point trying to hide frustration, fear, or doubt. God knows they are there. It is often the great love we have for the person we are praying for that gives rise to these feelings. Honest prayer from the heart has great power.
Third . . . Learn from the experiences of others, but remember that how you pray most effectively will reflect your own experience and personality. Some people pray aloud, others offer words in silence. Some pray with mental pictures, others without word or image.
The A.C.T.S. Prayer Model
Some people practice a model of prayer using the word ACTS as a guide.
- A - ADORATION: First, let God know that you love Him, and want to draw closer to Him.
- C - CONFESSION: Second, confess to God how you have failed in your life to be as obedient as possible. Admit to God what you have willingly done which you know was wrong or hurtful to yourself or to others.
- T - THANKSGIVING: Third, tell God what you are thankful for, that you appreciate the things God has already done on your behalf.
- S - SUPPLICATION: Fourth, present to God your "list" of concerns and needs for others, and then your own concerns and needs.
Some Scriptures on Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
Ephesians 3:16-19 - I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breath and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
