“I urge you, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” 1 Timothy 2:1
Maybe you do better than I do, but sometimes I find myself going weeks without praying for others. Oh, I might throw a small prayer out for someone, who I know is struggling, or who is in my close circle. But I have gotten bad at actively praying for the people around me who make up my life.
It is easy to get consumed with our own lives that we forget the people around us. When was the last time you actively prayed for your coworkers, those you attend church with, distant relatives, or neighbors? If you are like me and you sometimes lack an active prayer life for other people, then I want to share a few things that have helped me become more intentional about praying for others.
Using a Calendar or Planner
I have used this idea in the past. It helped to remind me to pray for others daily. I would write the name of someone I knew on each day of the month, and every day I would look at the date and pray for the person listed.
Names in a Box
My current method is to write names on small pieces of paper and place them in a box or drawer. Without looking, I will pick out two pieces of paper every morning and pray for the names listed. I like doing it this way because it allows God to choose who I pick that day. Verses it being a set person like it is with the calendar.
Old Cards
This next one is not my own, but I loved the idea when I heard it on the radio. A lady kept cards that were given to her throughout the years and placed them in a box. Every day she would pull a card out and pray for whoever had sent it. Keep this idea in mind as the Christmas cards start to arrive in the months to come.
Pages in a Journal
This next idea I use for the people who are closer to me. Those people who I know more of what their struggle is. First, I find scriptures that fit what I am praying over that person, and I write out a prayer with that scripture. Each page in the journal has a different name with a scriptural prayer. I use this one in the evening before bed to actively pray scriptures over these people.
Whatever method you find works for you, keep at it! Lifting each other in prayer is needed because each of us is fighting daily against the powers of darkness. And we could all use a little help in that fight.
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Lauren says
I love these ideas! I’m always looking for new ways to pray for people. Thank you for sharing!
carrie says
Glad they were helpful to you!
Areil says
I like the idea of praying for those who sent you cards.
Tyanne says
I love this idea! The journal is a good idea because sometimes I feel like I am forgetting something while praying! It is also a good way to keep track of who we are praying for.
Reut shaviro says
Nice post 🙂
Natascha says
wow, Such an interesting blog post! thank you so much for sharing.
carrie says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Greg - Year of the dad says
These are some great ways to vary your prayer life. We try to keep a board on the wall where we write the names of those that either need or have asked for prayer. Then once the prayer is answered we cross off their name to remind us of God’s promise.
carrie says
That’s a great idea as well! I like that! I love crossing off answered prayers!
adrienne says
I like the idea of Journaling with the scripture.