Praying for Others

“We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Thy commandments and ordinances. … We have not listened to Thy servants the prophets. … Open shame belongs to us, O Lord … because we have sinned against Thee. … Indeed all Israel has transgressed Thy law and turned aside, not obeying Thy voice. … Thy people have become a reproach to all those around us” (Dan. 9:5–16).
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Others should be the primary focus of your prayers.
In verses 5–16 Daniel identifies with his people and intercedes on their behalf. That’s a common practice in Scripture. For example, Moses interceded for the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf (Ex. 32:11–13).
All Paul’s recorded prayers are intercessions. In Ephesians 6:18 he instructs us to “be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” In 1 Timothy 2:1–4 he says, “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Similarly, the Lord’s prayers are replete with intercessions. Even when hanging in agony on the cross, He prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
When God placed us into the Body of Christ, He made us dependent on one another. When one member suffers, all suffer with it; when one is honored, all rejoice with it (1 Cor. 12:26). That’s why Jesus instructed us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts. … And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:11–13, emphasis added).
Let your prayers reflect a corporate and selfless mentality that embraces the needs of others.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the people who have prayed for you over the years. Be aware of those for whom you should be praying. ✧ Sometimes the demands of prayer can seem overwhelming because there’s so much to pray for, but be faithful, knowing that your prayers are a delight to the Lord (Prov. 15:8).
For Further Study: Read John 17, noting how Jesus interceded for His disciples.

MacArthur, John: Drawing Near