Bible-based prayers for “For others”, to read or listen to.
For my friend
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Good Father, today I bring my friend before you. You know his name, his story and what he is going through right now. Thank you for his friendship, for the times he has been by my side and for everything we have shared. Bless him in his home, in his work and in his health. If he is tired, give him rest; if he is confused, give him light; if he is sad, comfort him. Make me a friend who loves at all times, faithful in good times and in hard ones. May our friendship honor you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Patient and merciful Lord, I place before you someone I love who does not yet know you. You do not want anyone to be lost, and you wait patiently for each one. Open her eyes to your love. Put people in her path who will show her Jesus by their lives, without pressure and without judgment. Heal the wounds that have kept her away from you. Give me patience, simple words and a consistent example. I trust that you seek her with more love than I do. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Lord Jesus, you taught us to bless those who hurt us, and today I find that very hard to do. You know the wound I carry and you don't take it lightly. Even so, I want to obey you. I bring this person before you. Work in their heart for good and bring about justice according to your will. Free me from the desire for revenge and from the resentment that robs me of peace. Forgiving does not mean forgetting or putting myself in danger again; give me wisdom to set healthy boundaries. Heal what was broken in me. In you I trust. Amen.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
God of all comfort, today I am thinking of someone who is suffering. You see their pain, even if I don't understand all of it. Draw near to their life with your comfort. Give them strength for each day, rest for their body and peace for their mind. Surround them with people who will stand by them with patience and affection. If they need medical help or wise counsel, may they find it in time. And teach me to comfort others with the same comfort I have received from you, with my presence and not only with words. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the people who live near me. Some I know by name and others I barely greet. You know them all. Bless their homes, their families and their work. Bring peace where there are arguments and company where there is loneliness. Help me love my neighbor as myself, starting with the door next to mine. Give me chances to help, to listen and to be kind. May my home be a place where others can feel your goodness. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
God of justice, you do not forget the poor, and their hope does not perish before you. I pray for those who have no roof, food or work, for the sick who receive no care and for those no one visits. May they find help, dignity and friendly hands. Break through the indifference of my heart when I pass by on the other side. Show me what I can do today, even if it is little: share, visit, listen or give. Bless those who work to relieve suffering. Let no one feel invisible before you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
