Hello there everyone! We are now in part 5 of our Bible Study Series, the 7 Qualities of Effective Prayer. Today, we are going to talk about Unselfish Prayer, which is our fifth quality. 

We Normally Pray for Ourselves

As human beings, it is natural for us to think about ourselves. All throughout the day, how many times do you think about yourself? There’s no denying that we are naturally inclined to think about our plans and goals in life. We think about what we will eat, how we can support ourselves, how we can make ourselves healthy, and how we can improve ourselves. It’s all about us!

That’s why, in prayer, it is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that prayer is all about us. Of course, we don’t consciously admit that, but more often than not, what we pray for is all about our own good.

We Must Train Ourselves to Pray for Others

Now, we are called to a higher standard by God. That’s why, we don’t just do what is natural or easy. In prayer, we are also trained to think about others!

Prayer is not just about you. It should also be about God and other people. Your prayer should not simply contain what you want in your life. You should also pray for others!

In the Bible, we can see a lot of examples where people pray for each other and not just simply for themselves. For example, we have seen how the Canaanite woman approached Yahshua not for herself, but for her daughter. The Apostle Paul continually prays for the brethren. Even Christ prayed for His people.

Biblical Instructions on Praying for One Another

We read the instruction for praying for one another in James 5:16:

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

Did you see that? We are commanded to pray for one another. How often do you do that? How often do you pray for others?

In Matthew 5:44, we are even commanded not just to pray for our loved ones and friends, not just people who we like, but rather, we are commanded to pray for our enemies. We read in Matthew 5:44:

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Now, not many people notice this, but the Lord’s Prayer, which is more appropriately called the Model Prayer encourages us to pray for one another. Notice Matthew 6:9-13:

Our Father in heaven (It didn’t say, my Father), Hallowed be Your name.¹⁰ Your kingdom come.

Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread (Again, it didn’t say, give me). ¹² And forgive us (not forgive me) our debts, As we forgive our debtors. ¹³ And do not lead us (not me) into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

The Model Prayer promotes communal prayer, meaning, praying with each other and praying for each other. It tells us that prayers should not be selfish and should not be just about ourselves, but also for others.

The Benefits of Praying for One Another

Now, when you pray for one another, do you know what happens? It makes you think more about others than yourself. It makes you more selfless rather than selfish. Aside from that, Praying for one another is a great way for us to show our love and kindness to everyone. It forces us to go our way to reach out to others, ask them how they are doing, and build a closer relationship not just to God, but also to others.

Join our Teach Us to Pray Course

There are so many things that you should learn about prayer. Let me guide you through this spiritual journey through our Teach Us to Pray Course. In this course, you’ll learn what prayer is, why we should pray, what we should pray for, and how you can grow in your relationship with God through prayer. I’m so excited to provide you with this opportunity to ensure you have a stronger prayer life. Start your course for FREE today!

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