Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Friends

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Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant aspect of Christian life and practice. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of praying for friends, highlighting the power and necessity of such prayers in fostering spiritual growth, support, and unity among believers.

Biblical Basis for Intercessory Prayer for Friends

The Scriptures encourage believers to engage in intercessory prayer for their friends, emphasizing the role of prayer in strengthening relationships and providing spiritual support. In the Book of Job, we find a profound example of intercessory prayer for friends. After enduring immense suffering and receiving misguided counsel from his friends, Job is instructed by God to pray for them. "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions" (Job 42:10). This passage illustrates the transformative power of intercessory prayer, not only for those being prayed for but also for the one offering the prayer.

The New Testament further reinforces the call to pray for others, including friends. In the Gospel of John, Jesus sets a powerful example of intercessory prayer. He prays for His disciples, expressing His deep love and concern for their well-being and spiritual growth. "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message" (John 17:20). Jesus' prayer extends beyond His immediate circle, encompassing all future believers, demonstrating the expansive nature of intercessory prayer.

The Role of Love and Unity in Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer for friends is deeply rooted in the Christian principles of love and unity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently mentions his prayers for fellow believers, driven by his love and desire for their spiritual maturity. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" (Philippians 1:9). Paul's prayers reflect his commitment to the spiritual growth and unity of the church, serving as a model for believers to follow.

The act of praying for friends fosters a sense of community and mutual support among believers. James, in his epistle, encourages Christians to "pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" (James 5:16). This exhortation highlights the efficacy of intercessory prayer and its role in promoting healing and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

Practical Aspects of Intercessory Prayer for Friends

Engaging in intercessory prayer for friends involves intentionality and a heart aligned with God's will. Believers are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the needs of their friends and to pray with faith and perseverance. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, provides insight into the nature of intercessory prayer: "We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). This passage underscores the importance of continuous and thoughtful prayer, seeking God's wisdom and guidance for friends.

In summary, intercessory prayer for friends is a vital expression of Christian love and fellowship. It is a powerful means of supporting and uplifting one another, fostering spiritual growth, and strengthening the bonds of unity within the body of Christ. Through prayer, believers participate in God's work, interceding on behalf of their friends and witnessing the transformative power of God's grace and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 42:8
Therefore take to you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that you have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Intercessory Prayer
... should be public prayers, though offered in private ... text into use by offering an
intercessory prayer and then I ... THE PERSONS FOR WHOM WE SHOULD MORE PARTICULARLY ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Jesus' Farewell to his Friends.
... in order that remission of sins might be offered. ... But he planned so that there should
be these ... The petitions of the great intercessory prayer have been rising ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiii jesus farewell to.htm

Christ Pleads his Will
... of His prayer when He offered His intercessory ... of the redeemed if Christ's prayer
should not be ... regarding the final triumph of Christ's intercessory prayer. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... is inexhaustible instruction in our Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we ... off him as
he kneels in prayer for the ... thing, and at that time, we should then stand firm ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... here, the Great High-Priest first offered up to the ... that' [in order that] the Father
should keep them ... In its last part this intercessory Prayer of the Great ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... rules which he had just drawn up for the ... service began; the "Confession" was offered
by the ... the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise continually ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... our Saviour might have paused from intercessory prayer, it was ... are to be Christlike,
as you should be, since ... not been attending the house of prayer long, you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

Chapter xviii
... author taking up the clue which he offered in v ... We should say, such who have made
the proper use ... such as "The Boldness of Faith," or "Intercessory Prayer at its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

Why they Leave Us
... see, first, that it hath the force of an intercessory prayer. ... Should they not be
with Jesus where he is, since ... To the prayer that his saints may be with him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/why they leave us.htm

The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
... This, however, may be said, that the reasons offered for holding ... that those who would
be his disciples should count the ... The intercessory prayer"John 17:1-26. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the journey through perea.htm