As we continue learning from the prayer life of Jesus, we discover something remarkable: Jesus regularly prayed for others. In John 17, often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples and for all future believers. On the night before the cross, when the weight of suffering was already pressing upon Him, Jesus’ focus was not on Himself but on those who would follow Him.

•            He prayed for their protection.

•            He prayed for their unity.

•            He prayed for their faith to endure.

And incredibly, Jesus even prayed for us:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

Long before we were born, Jesus was praying for the people who would one day believe the gospel. This shows us something beautiful about the heart of prayer. Prayer is not only about bringing our needs before God; it is also about carrying others to the throne of grace.

When we pray for someone else, we are participating in the ministry of Christ Himself. Scripture tells us that even now Jesus continues to intercede for us (Romans 8:34). In the same way, we are called to stand in the gap for others.

A.W. Tozer often reminded believers that prayer is not meant to revolve around us. He wrote:

“

The man who would know God must give time to Him.”

Part of giving time to God is allowing Him to place the needs of others on our hearts. As we spend time in His presence, our prayers begin to reflect His compassion.

Dennis Kinlaw frequently emphasized that true intimacy with God always leads to love for others. He once said:

“When God fills your heart, He always enlarges it.”

In other words, when we grow closer to God, our concern for other people grows as well. A heart that is truly connected to God cannot remain self-centered. Prayer places us on the front lines of spiritual battle as we ask God to move in the lives of others.

During this season of prayer and fasting, don’t let your prayer life stop with your own needs. Ask God to show you who to pray for, family members, friends, church leaders, neighbors, and those who do not yet know Christ. When we carry others to God in prayer, we reflect the very heart of Jesus.

Today, spend time praying specifically for others, your family, your church, your community, and those who need to come to Christ.

Prayer focus

Father,

Thank You for the example of Jesus, who prayed for those around Him and even for those who would believe in the future. Give me a heart that cares deeply for others. Show me who needs prayer today and help me faithfully bring them before You. Use my prayers to encourage, protect, and draw people closer to You. Let my prayer life reflect the compassion and love of Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.