Topical Bible: Sincerity: Pray For, on Behalf of Others

◄ Sincerity: Pray For, on Behalf of Others ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Sincerity in prayer, particularly when interceding on behalf of others, is a profound expression of Christian love and faith. The Bible emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a genuine heart, free from pretense or hypocrisy. This sincerity is crucial when praying for others, as it reflects a true desire for their well-being and aligns with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The call to pray sincerely for others is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against hypocritical prayer, urging His followers to pray with authenticity: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:5). This instruction underscores the importance of sincerity, not only in personal prayer but also when interceding for others.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies sincere intercessory prayer in his letters to the early churches. In his epistle to the Philippians, he 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 heartfelt prayers for the spiritual growth and well-being of others demonstrate the depth of his sincerity and commitment to their spiritual journey.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Sincerity in prayer is further enhanced by the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit aids believers in praying according to God's will, even when they struggle to find the right words. Romans 8:26-27 states, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." This passage highlights the Spirit's role in ensuring that our prayers, including those for others, are sincere and aligned with divine purposes.

Practical Application

To cultivate sincerity in praying for others, believers are encouraged to:

1. Examine Motives: Before interceding, reflect on the reasons for prayer. Ensure that the desire to pray stems from genuine love and concern for the person, rather than obligation or self-interest.

2. Seek God's Will: Align prayers with God's will, seeking His guidance and wisdom. This involves listening to the Holy Spirit and being open to His leading.

3. Pray with Empathy: Enter into the struggles and joys of others, allowing their circumstances to touch your heart deeply. This empathy fuels sincere prayer.

4. Persist in Prayer: Sincerity is demonstrated through perseverance. Continue to pray for others, trusting in God's timing and sovereignty.

5. Express Gratitude: Thank God for the opportunity to pray for others and for His work in their lives. Gratitude fosters a sincere heart.

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of sincere intercessory prayer. Moses interceded for the Israelites with heartfelt pleas, as seen in Exodus 32:11-14, where he implores God to spare His people. Similarly, Daniel's prayer for his nation in Daniel 9:3-19 is marked by deep sincerity and repentance.

In the New Testament, Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 is a profound example of sincere intercession. He prays for His disciples and all future believers, expressing His deep love and concern for their unity and sanctification.

Conclusion

Sincerity in praying for others is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a heart aligned with God's love and purposes. Through sincere intercession, believers participate in God's redemptive work, bringing His grace and mercy to those in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 1:10
That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Blossoming Desert.
... of God he made that solemn inquiry with such simplicity and sincerity, that it ... that
you may certainly know these our affairs, and pray God, in behalf of us ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vii the blossoming desert.htm

In Spirit and Truth;' or the True Worshippers.
... as is often thought, earnestly, from the heart, in sincerity. ... A man who seeks to
pray earnestly in the church ... His blood, had there on our behalf received the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/in spirit and truth or.htm

Second Lesson. In Spirit and Truth. '
... as is often thought, earnestly, from the heart, in sincerity. ... A man, who seeks to
pray earnestly in the church ... His blood, had there on our behalf received the ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/second lesson in spirit and.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... and the fellowship of his cross; in the sincerity of his ... I thank my God always on
your behalf, for the ... the picture of a man whose words, "Pray without ceasing ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

Love and Discernment.
... "And this I pray, that your ... the Apostle has been praying for and desiring on behalf
of his ... his Master, said, "Lord, Thou knowest all things." Sincerity is one ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

2 Cor. viii. 7
... but as proving through the earnestness of others, the sincerity also of ... in need of
any one;' but let us pray and say ... "For we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvii 2 cor viii.htm

Recommendation.
... him witness, and bless the Lord on his behalf, that he ... lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity, and of ... Pray for the continuance of the life of the author ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/recommendation.htm

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... in any way; whether in pretence or in sincerity, Christ is ... without intermission it
is a duty to pray, both for ... when entreated by others on our behalf, as by ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/concerning lowliness of mind.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... him, which had been made by others, not merely on their own behalf, but on behalf
of such ... It is lawful to pray, but it is sinful to do so without sincerity. ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

2 Cor. Ii. 12, 13
... undiluted.' Whence he added, "But as of sincerity, but as ... one of them against enemies,
but all in behalf of either ... To him thou comest that said, "Pray for your ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily v 2 cor ii.htm