I Will Pray — A Practical Guide to Praying for Others

# Summary

This devotional by Carolyn Dale Newell focuses on how to pray for others who are in grievous circumstances and may not be ready to hear Scripture or consolation. It uses James 5:16 as the launching point and draws on biblical examples and Jesus' teaching to describe how to intercede effectively. The practical takeaway is summarized as the "3 P's of Prayer": passion, persistence, and purpose.

# Core Bible passages cited

• Matthew 6:10 (pray that God's will be done)

The devotional also points to Elijah's prayers as an example of fervent, effective intercession: his prayer preceded a three-and-a-half-year drought, and his later prayer brought rain.

# What to do when words fail

# The 3 P's of Prayer — practical steps

• Passion: Spend time in focused, heartfelt prayer. The devotional advises "fiery" or passionate prayer—making a deliberate, sacrificial investment of time and emotion on behalf of the person.

• Persistence: Keep praying. Use Jesus' instruction about asking, seeking, and knocking as a pattern: repeat your petitions, stay engaged, and keep returning to the matter over time.

• Purpose: Always aim prayers to align with God's will. Prayers that are passionate and persistent should ultimately submit to "Your will be done," not simply our preferences.

# How to encourage the person you're praying for

Tell them you have lifted them to God. Hearing that someone has prayed for them brings hope and tangible comfort. It reassures the person that they are not carrying the burden alone and that others are investing time and faith on their behalf.

Dear Lord, help my prayers to be more passionate, and may they always be for Your purpose. Father, today I lift up (Name) to You. Please pour out Your mercy, comfort, grace, and healing on them. They are hurting, and they need You. Thank You for what You will do. You are our Father and You love them more than I can. May your purpose be accomplished in their life, and we give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus' name, amen.

# Quick application

• Identify one person who needs prayer today and set aside a specific time to pray for them.
• Pray repeatedly over days or weeks—use brief reminders if you need to stay persistent.
• When appropriate, tell the person you prayed and what you asked God for on their behalf.

# Closing thought

Praying for others combines emotional investment and theological humility: bring intensity and persistence to your petitions, but submit them to God's will. This approach provides practical comfort to people who cannot process other kinds of help right now.