Praying for Others with Sovereignty and Goodness in Mind
Praying for Others with Sovereignty and Goodness in Mind
Praying for others involves interceding on their behalf before God, seeking His intervention in their lives. The Bible encourages believers to pray for one another, as seen in passages like III John 1:2, where the apostle John prays for his friend's prosperity and health [2]. This practice is rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign and good, willing to respond to the prayers of His people.
The biblical basis for praying for others is evident in various scriptures. For instance, I Timothy 2:1-4 instructs believers to make supplications, prayers, and intercessions for all people, including those in authority, that they may lead a quiet and peaceable life [3, 8]. Similarly, the apostle Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to pray for him and his ministry, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified (II Thessalonians 3:1-2) [9].
In praying for others, believers must balance their requests with the sovereignty and goodness of God. According to John Calvin, believers should pray for the salvation of all people, as God's goodness and mercy extend to everyone [10]. This is reflected in the prayer of II Samuel 10:12, where Joab asks God to do what is good in His eyes [4].
The early Christian tradition emphasizes the importance of praying for others. John Chrysostom notes that the priest is like a common father, praying for all people, including kings and those in authority [8]. This understanding is also reflected in the writings of John Gill, who comments on Daniel 9:3, highlighting the importance of setting aside time to seek God through prayer and supplications [7].
Praying for others is not limited to seeking their salvation; it also involves asking God for their well-being and prosperity. The Bible encourages believers to pray for the afflicted, the sick, and those in need [5, 6]. In doing so, believers demonstrate their trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, acknowledging that He is able to provide for their needs.
The practice of praying for others is a vital aspect of Christian life, reflecting the believer's dependence on God and their concern for the well-being of others. As Calvin notes, prayer is a means by which believers can seek God's blessing and intervention in the lives of others [11]. By praying for others, believers demonstrate their faith in God's sovereignty and goodness, trusting that He will respond to their requests according to His will.
The biblical teaching on praying for others is clear: believers are encouraged to intercede on behalf of others, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. As seen in Zephaniah 3:9, the ultimate goal of prayer is to align with God's will, that all people may call on His name and serve Him with one accord [1].
Sources
- Zephaniah “Zephaniah 3:9 (BBE) — For then I will give the people a clean language, so that they may all make prayer to the Lord and be his servants with one mind.”
- III John “III John 1:2 (LEB) — Dear friend, I pray you may prosper concerning everything and be healthy, just as your soul prospers.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 2:8 (ASV) — I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing.”
- II Samuel “II Samuel 10:12 (LEB) — Be strong, and let us strengthen ourselves for the sake of the people and for the sake of the cities of our God. May Yahweh do what is good in his eyes.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted, Duty Toward The — To pray for them -- Ac 12:5; Php 1:16,19; Jas 5:14-16. To sympathise with them -- Ro 12:15; Ga 6:2. To pity them -- Job 6:14. To bear them in mind -- Heb 13:3. To visit them -- Jas 1:27. To comfort them -- Job 16:5; 29:25; 2Co 1:4; 1Th 4:18. To relieve them -- Job 31:19,20; Isa 58:10; Php 4:14; 1Ti 5:10. To protect them -- Ps 82:3; Pr 22:22; 31:5.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Daniel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Daniel 9:3: And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications,.... He set apart some time on purpose for this service, distinct from his usual stated times of prayer, as well as from his civil business and employment; and he not only set his face toward Jerusalem, as he used to do, Dan 6:10, the more to affect his mind with the desolations the city and temple lay in; but towards the Lord God, the sovereign Lord of all, who does according to his will in heaven and in earth, the Governor of the universe, the one true God, Father, Son, and Spirit: and this deno”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily VI. 1 Timothy ii. 1–4 “I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” [R.V.: who willeth that all men should be saved, c.] The Priest is the common father, as it were, of all the world; it ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 41.2: in such a manner as not to owe something to them in their turn, as analogical right to be in force among all ranks. 466 466 “ Comme il y a vn droict mutuel, reglé selon la consideration de l’office et vocation d’vn chacun, lequel droict doit auoir lieu entre tous estats ;” — “As there is a mutual right, regulated according to a consideration of the office and calling of each individual, which right ought to have a place among all ranks.” 2. Continue in prayer . He returns to general exhortations, in which we must n”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 9.3: earnest and constant prayer. We know now sluggish we are in this religious duty; and therefore we need not wonder if, for the purpose of arousing us to it, the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of Paul, employs various excitements. And thanksgivings . As to this term, there is no obscurity; for, as he bids us make supplication to God for the salvation of unbelievers, so also to give thanks on account of their prosperity and success. That wonderful goodness which he shews every day, when “he maketh his sun to rise on the good and the bad,”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 5.11: reckoned in a peculiar manner to be the God of Isaiah and Paul, because they have a special calling. In a word, these words expressly contain praise and commendation of Isaiah’s calling. Thou wilt therefore lift up a prayer. This is the second reason why Hezekiah sent messengers to Isaiah; namely, that he also would pray along with others. Hence we learn that it is the duty of a prophet, not only to comfort the afflicted by the word of the Lord, but also to offer his prayers for their salvation. Let not pastors and ministers of the word, ther”