2007-09-19 08:30:21 · 13 answers · asked by ♥Enya♥ 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Admittedly, it's easier to pray for someone we know rather than someone we don't know. But has it ever occurred to you that those you know the least may need your prayers the most? They may, in fact, have very few friends or others who will pray for them. If you were in their situation, you would be very grateful for every person who would pray for you.
Don't let the fact that you don't know someone keep you from praying for them.
The Bible says, "The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). No, you may not know the person for whom you are praying—but God does, and He is able to meet their needs. And in time you may have the privilege of meeting them and knowing God used you to help them in their time of need.
Granny
2007-09-19 08:40:55 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Granny♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you're doing it for them. It isn't necessarily supposed to do you good. Just like any good deed you perform, often the 'most' you can expect at the time is a feeling of accomplishment.
However, think about this. When you get to heaven, and the Lord shows you the fruit of your life, imagine all of the people whose lives have been made better and/or who came to the Lord because of prayers that you've prayed --- maybe even ones that you just tossed off without ever giving thought to it again. As in "Lord, please help that homeless man. Lord, please help so and so's brother to find You." Knowing how the Lord works out *every* detail of everything that goes on in the universe, imagine how this might have gone on and on and affected people you don't even know! As in, so and so's brother got saved, and then his wife got saved, and now they have seven godly children who also have godly children, etc. Isn't that exciting? That in and of itself is enough to motivate me.
Lastly, and I don't mean to be to spooky kooky about this, but often your spiritual gifts will grow in ways that you never imagined they could when you engage in intercessory prayer. While these two don't have an obvious, direct link I have seen it happen time and again. This too is an excellent motivator.
There really isn't anything you could do with your time that is more worthwhile than praying for others. In my opinion it does more good than making them a casserole, visiting them in the hospital, etc. After all, you can make a casserole with your hands --- but imagine what GOD can do with your prayers!!! It's an utterly selfless, private act that the Lord loves for you to engage in. After all, remember that the Bible calls Jesus our intercessor. Don't you want to intercede for others, too? :)
2007-09-19 15:41:35 · answer #2 · answered by KL 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray... for all .... as told by Paul...it can bring good... but don't do something expecting a return... its gonna make your desire for prayer more.. its gonna broaden your vision ... its gonna make you open to others need... its gonna make you an intersessor... then you are standing in the gap... this is something which is required from each christian... so praying for someone you hardly know is gonna make you know the Lord more..
2007-09-26 05:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by what would jesus do 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt do anybody good to pray because why would you need to ask or tell the creator something he obviously knows already.
All you need to do is want to help out, the creator will decide what he wants to happen, or what is meant to be.
2007-09-19 15:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is called 'intercessary prayer'...... When you pray for others, whether you know them or not, you are laying down your life for them. You are putting them and their needs first. That is the greatest gift/prayer you can give. Jesus said, "Love as I have loved you." What did he do? He laid down his life for you. Keep up the good work.
2007-09-26 12:25:30 · answer #5 · answered by Mercedes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The point is supposed to be what good it does THEM.
However, with any luck you might obtain some benefit by focussing on somebody else.
Note: I am not advocating the view that there is any kind of usefulness in prayer; just observing that your question seems a bit self-centred.
2007-09-19 15:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The same as it does for you to pray for someone you know well: none.
2007-09-19 15:42:34 · answer #7 · answered by Ann Tykreist Jr. 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It doesn't do *YOU* ANY good. But it could help them.
I pray for dozens of people I have never even met. I remember them in my Mass intentions, too.
2007-09-19 15:34:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The primary purpose is for you to help others.
Then God may help you, when others can not.
2007-09-19 15:39:18 · answer #9 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It releases you from the prison of the "self."
2007-09-26 16:45:02 · answer #10 · answered by smkeller 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋