By It comes as a bit of a surprise when at the end of a conversation with another believer he asks “Is there something I can pray for on your behalf?”. It comes as a bit of a surprise because it is not commonly practised. But there are few things that demonstrate love and care from another as the question of how to pray for one another.
James 5:16 commands us to “pray for another”. But it is not the commandment to “pray” as much as the commandment to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2) that should motivate us to ask one another “How can I pray for you?”
Ask another believer today “How can I pray for you?” Limit it to two requests if necessary so you don’t forget. Then pray for the brother/sister immediately, and again during your own prayer time.
When another Christians asks you the question “How can I pray for you?”, then give a good answer. Share a burden. Share a burden from this life’s trials, and share a burden from your own spiritual condition. Learn to pray for one another, and learn to be prayed for by one another.
“remembering you in my prayers” was characteristic of Paul’s prayer life (Eph 1:16; 2 Tim 1:3; Philemon 1:4). May it be of ours too!