"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
— Ephesians 6:18
Phase 6 of 6
Praying for Others
Pray FOR them, not about them
Understanding this phase
Pray for those who despitefully use you. When you pray FOR people — not about them — you begin to understand them. It is hard to dislike somebody you understand.
Pray for those that despitefully use you. I didn't say pray about them — I said pray FOR them. When you pray for people, you begin to understand them. It is hard to dislike somebody you understand. The reason it bothers you is because you don't understand it. The moment you start praying for them, you start understanding them. You can't pray effectively with an angry spirit — you have to get the wrath out of you.
Scripture foundation
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
— Matthew 5:44
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men."
— 1 Timothy 2:1
Example prayer
Father, I lift up others before You now. Not to complain about them — but to pray FOR them. Lord, help them. Strengthen them. Heal the broken places in their lives. Give them the kind of joy and peace that You have given me. Help me to understand them, Lord, so that I can be a blessing and not a barrier. Remove any anger or bitterness from my heart. Let me see them the way You see them.