As taught in the New Testament, Christianity is a “one another” religion. Christians are to prefer, love, receive, admonish, wait for, care for, greet, serve, forbear, be kind to, forgive, consider, comfort, and exhort one another. They are also to “pray for one another” (James 5:16). Intercessory prayer for all men is to ascend from a Christian’s lips (1 Timothy 2:1).
Psalm 20 contains one of David’s earnest intercessory entreaties before God’s throne of grace. In it we see an exemplar on how to pray for others.
- Pray for Jehovah’s answer to their prayers. “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble…May the Lord fulfill all your petitions” (vv. 1, 5).
- Pray for God’s deliverance in the day of trouble. “May the name of the God of Jacob defend you” (v. 1).
- Pray for God’s help and strength in their difficult times. “May He send you help from the sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion” (v. 2).
- Pray for God’s acceptance of their worship. “May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice” (v. 3).
- Pray for God’s fulfillment of their unique purpose in life. “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your purpose” (v. 4).
- Pray with absolute confidence in God’s desire and ability to answer your intercessory prayer. “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call” (vv. 6-9).
The King does indeed answer us when we call upon Him in prayer for one another!
