Scriptural Prayers for Intercession for the Lost

Scripture provides numerous examples and exhortations for intercessory prayer, including prayers for those who are considered "lost" or in need of salvation. The Apostle Paul, for instance, explicitly states his "heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation" in Romans 10:1 ^[5]. This demonstrates a clear biblical precedent for praying for the salvation of specific groups of people.

The concept of being "lost" is also present in scripture. Psalm 119:176 states, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments" ^[2]. Jesus himself described his mission as coming "to seek and save those who are lost" ^[14]. This imagery of a lost sheep emphasizes a state of wandering and separation, highlighting the need for divine intervention and guidance.

Intercessory prayer, in general, is a commanded practice in the New Testament. 1 Timothy 2:1 encourages that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people." James 5:14, 16 also calls for prayer for the sick and for one another ^[9]. Christ himself set an example of intercessory prayer, praying for his disciples and even for his enemies ^{[7, 9]}. The scope of intercessory prayer extends to various groups, including kings and those in authority, ministers, the Church, all saints, and even enemies ^[9].

The Bible also describes instances where individuals mourn or grieve for others, which can be seen as a precursor to intercessory prayer for their well-being or spiritual state. For example, Abraham mourned for Sarah, and Jacob for Joseph ^[4]. The prophet Zechariah speaks of a future time when a "spirit of grace and of supplication" will be poured out, leading people to mourn for the one they have pierced "as one mourns for his only son" ^[3]. This deep sorrow and supplication can be understood as a form of intercession.

While the term "lost" can refer to those who are spiritually separated from God, it can also encompass those experiencing various forms of affliction or distress. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes the duty to pray for the afflicted, to sympathize with them, and to comfort them ^[1]. Prayers under affliction often include petitions for God to consider trouble, for divine comfort, and for deliverance ^[8]. The Psalms frequently express lament and prayer for relief from distress, as seen in Psalm 13, where the Psalmist mourns God's absence and the triumph of enemies, praying for relief ^[15]. Similarly, Psalm 60:5 contains a plea for rescue: "so that your beloved ones may be rescued. Save by your right hand and answer us" ^[6].

The practice of prayer for others is rooted in the understanding that God hears and responds to the petitions of His people. The Lord's Prayer, given by Jesus, serves as a model for prayer, emphasizing the hallowing of God's name and the coming of His kingdom ^[10]. This model prayer, while not explicitly for the "lost," sets a precedent for prayers that align with God's will and desire for humanity. The Apostle Paul frequently concluded his letters with prayers for the recipients, such as his prayer for the Thessalonians that the "Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way" ^{[11, 13]}. He also prayed for the Philippians, invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with them ^[12]. These examples highlight the consistent practice of praying for the spiritual and temporal welfare of others within the biblical narrative.

Sources

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.”
Psalms “I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments. -- Psalms 119:176”
Zechariah “I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn. -- Zechariah 12:10”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mourn — Frequent references are found in Scripture to, (1.) Mourning for the dead. Abraham mourned for Sarah (Gen. 23:2); Jacob for Joseph (37:34, 35); the Egyptians for Jacob (50:3-10); Israel for Aaron (Num. 20:29), for Moses (Deut. 34:8), and for Samuel (1 Sam. 25:1); David for Abner (2 Sam. 3:31, 35); Mary and Martha for Lazarus (John 11); devout men for Stephen (Acts 8:2), etc. (2.) For calamities, Job (1:20, 21; 2:8); Israel (Ex. 33:4); the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5); Israel, when defeated by Benjamin (Judg. 20:26), etc. (3.) Penitential mourning, by the Israelites ”
Romans “Romans 10:1 (BSB) — Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.”
Psalms “Psalms 60:5 (LEB) — so that your beloved ones may be rescued. Save by your right hand and answer us.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Enemies — Christ prayed for his -- Lu 23:34. The lives of, to be spared -- 1Sa 24:10; 2Sa 16:10,11. The goods of, to be taken care of -- Ex 23:4,5. Should be Loved. -- Mt 5:44. Prayed for. -- Ac 7:60. Assisted. -- Pr 25:21; Ro 12:20. Overcome by kindness. -- 1Sa 26:21. Rejoice not at the misfortunes of -- Job 31:29. Rejoice not at the failings of -- Pr 24:17. Desire not the death of -- 1Ki 3:11. Curse them not -- Job 31:30. Be affectionately concerned for -- Ps 35:13. The friendship of, deceitful -- 2Sa 20:9,10; Pr 26:26; 27:6; Mt 26:48,49. God defends against -- Ps ”
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”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: 3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).”
Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:23: (Gal 6:18). be with you all. Amen--The oldest manuscripts read, "Be with your spirit," and omit "Amen." Next: Colossians Introduction”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 19:10: 19:10 to seek and save those who are lost: The Lord is a shepherd who seeks lost sheep (see Ps 23:1; Isa 53:6; Jer 13:17; Ezek 34; Zech 10:3; 13:7).”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 13 (introduction): On title, see Introduction. The Psalmist, mourning God's absence and the triumph of his enemies, prays for relief before he is totally destroyed, and is encouraged to hope his trust will not be in vain. (Psa 13:1-6) The forms of expression and figure here used are frequent (compare Psa 9:12, Psa 9:18; Psa 10:11-12). How long . . . for ever--Shall it be for ever?”

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