How to Pray for Others

Begin with a warm greeting and learn the person's name if you don't know it. Take a deep breath and set a calm pace. There's no need to rush.

Normalize bold requests by asking something to the effect of, "What can we ask the Father for together?" This begins to shift the focus of the conversation from external symptoms to internal health. What is the root that needs to be addressed?

Continue to ask clarifying questions to help identify the root. It's easy to get distracted by collateral damage and miss the true issue. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you converse. Is the Lord revealing anything that helps bring clarity?

Is there unconfessed sin? Is this person a Christian or do they need to place their faith and trust in Jesus for the first time? Are they describing a symptom like anxiety that is actually being caused by a specific situation?

It's okay if you don't get full clarity, but taking a little extra time to ask questions will often help focus your prayers.

Choose the type of prayer and posture that best fits the situation. Simply placing your hand on their shoulder and interceding for them is often a great choice. But there are other options. You can ask them to kneel with you at the altar. You can have them open their palms and hold their hands out in a posture of receiving. Or maybe they need to pray before you do!

For instance, if they're confessing a sin or insecurity, ask them to say that out loud to the Lord and then follow in prayer. If they're in need of healing, lay hands on them and consider inviting others to join.

You can bless them with Scripture both during and after your prayer. Memorizing Scripture is like rocket fuel for your prayer life. When you finish praying, consider sharing a verse, Bible story, or encouraging word with them.

It's not uncommon that a specific passage will come to mind while you're praying. This creates a great opportunity to point them to that passage so they can reflect on it later. Before you finish, reflect back to them what you hear God saying or highlighting.

After you've listened, prayed for, and blessed them…check-in. Ask them, "How are you feeling?" or "Do you feel any different?" Give them a moment to respond and process. Offer them a tissue.

Specifically ask them, "Is anything coming to mind? Are you hearing anything from the Lord?" You've just engaged in hard spiritual work together. That can be tiring! Make sure they feel seen and loved before moving on.

And if there is clear follow-up that's needed, get their info or schedule a specific time to pray again or get them connected to the right person.