Although what we translate as ‘prayer’ comes from many Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek words that mean a range of things, the most common is intercession.
To incercede- to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences; to mediate; to interpose. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercede
By definition, intercession means you are intervening on behalf of someone else.
There are so many examples in the Bible of praying for others…
intercession for salvation:
§ Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them [Isreal] is that they may be saved- Romans 10:1
§ ...who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit- Acts 8:15
intercession for peace:
§ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
intercession for our enemies:
§ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you- Matthew 5:44
intercession for forgiveness/restoration:
§ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep- Acts 7:60
§ If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death- 1 John 5:16
intercession for love of God and spread of the Gospel:
§ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ- 2 Thessalonians 3:5
§ Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you- 2 Thessalonians 3:1
intercession for righteousness:
§ To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power- 2 Thessalonians 1:11
§ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
intercession for our health and healing:
§ And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them- Matthew 15:30
§ And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Mark 6:56
Should we pray for others similarly to how we pray for ourselves? You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
Intercede.
Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. ~Søren Kierkegaard
-In Christ
References:
-Strong, James. The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words. Thomas Nelson,
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