PRAYING FOR ALL SAINTS

PRAYING FOR ALL SAINTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:18

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Supporting Texts: John 17:9-21; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Colossians 1:9-12; Colossians 4:12; Romans 15:30-32; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:25.

Description: Praying for all saints is the spiritual responsibility of every believer to intercede consistently for fellow Christians, strengthening the Church through prayer, unity, encouragement and spiritual support.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is not designed to be a selfish exercise centred only on our personal needs and desires. Although God invites us to bring our requests before Him, He also expects us to carry the burdens of others in prayer. One of the marks of Christian maturity is the ability to look beyond personal concerns and intercede for the spiritual welfare, protection, growth and victory of fellow believers. This is what it means to pray for all saints.

In Ephesians 6:18, after describing the whole armour of God and the importance of spiritual warfare, Apostle Paul instructs believers to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. He further emphasises that they must watch with perseverance and supplication for all saints. This instruction reveals that intercession is an essential part of spiritual warfare. The Church must not only pray for individual breakthroughs but also stand together in prayer for the entire body of Christ.

The expression “all saints” reminds us that the responsibility of intercession extends beyond our families, friends, local congregations and personal circles. We must remember believers everywhere, including those facing persecution, temptation, sickness, discouragement, spiritual weakness and difficult circumstances. When we pray for one another, we demonstrate Christian love, promote unity and strengthen the body of Christ. Every believer must therefore become a faithful intercessor.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF PRAYING FOR ALL SAINTS

To pray for all saints means to bring the needs, challenges, spiritual growth and welfare of fellow believers before God. It is the act of standing in the gap through prayer for other members of the body of Christ, regardless of their location, background, denomination or present circumstances.

The word “saints” refers to those who have been set apart for God through faith in Jesus Christ. It does not mean that believers are perfect or free from struggles. Rather, it identifies those who belong to Christ and are called to live holy lives.

a) It Means Interceding for Fellow Believers (1 Timothy 2:1)

Paul writes: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”

Intercession is prayer offered on behalf of another person. It means taking the needs of others to God and asking Him to intervene in their situations. A believer who intercedes does not focus exclusively on personal comfort but willingly carries the burdens of others before the Lord.

The Church needs believers who will pray for others even when those people are not present to make their requests known. Some are fighting battles silently, some are struggling with their faith, and others are facing circumstances they cannot easily explain.

Practical Application: Make it a regular habit to pray for fellow believers, including those whose challenges you may not fully understand.

b) It Means Carrying One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2)

The Bible commands us to bear one another's burdens and fulfil the law of Christ.

Christian love is demonstrated not only through words, gifts and acts of kindness but also through spiritual support. When a fellow believer is weak, our responsibility is not to condemn but to support that person in prayer and encourage restoration.

Prayer enables us to carry burdens that we may not be able to remove through physical assistance. We can bring the needs of others before the God who has unlimited power to help.

Practical Application: When you discover that a fellow Christian is passing through difficulty, do not gossip about the situation. Pray for the person and offer appropriate encouragement.

c) It Means Seeking the Spiritual Growth of Others (Colossians 1:9-10)

Paul and his fellow ministers continually prayed that the Colossian believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

This teaches us that intercession must go beyond praying for material blessings. We must also pray for the spiritual development of other believers. Their knowledge of God, spiritual maturity, obedience and fruitfulness should be important subjects of our prayers.

Practical Application: Pray that fellow believers will grow in the knowledge of God's Word, become mature in Christ and live lives that please the Lord.

d) It Means Praying Beyond Our Immediate Circle (Ephesians 6:18)

Paul did not restrict intercession to believers in one congregation or community. He instructed the Church to pray for all saints.

The body of Christ is larger than any one local assembly. There are believers in different nations, communities and circumstances who need our prayers. Some are serving God in difficult environments, while others are experiencing persecution because of their faith.

Practical Application: Include the universal Church in your prayer schedule. Remember missionaries, persecuted Christians, church leaders and believers in difficult regions.

Biblical Example: Epaphras (Colossians 4:12)

Paul testified that Epaphras, a servant of Christ, was always labouring fervently in prayers for the believers in Colossae. His concern was that they would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Epaphras demonstrates that genuine spiritual commitment includes persistent intercession for the growth and stability of other believers.

2. WHY WE MUST PRAY FOR ALL SAINTS

Praying for all saints is not merely a religious activity; it is a biblical responsibility. The Church is a spiritual family, and every member has a responsibility to contribute to the spiritual welfare of others.

When we pray for fellow believers, we participate in God's work of strengthening His people. We also help to build a church culture where love, unity and mutual support are valued.

a) Because We Are Members of One Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

The Church is described as the body of Christ, with many members functioning together as one body. Every member is important, and the suffering or weakness of one member affects the entire body.

When one believer suffers, the Church should respond with compassion and prayer. When one believer rejoices, others should rejoice with that person. We must not develop an attitude of indifference towards the challenges of fellow Christians.

Practical Application: Develop a genuine concern for the welfare of other believers. Pray for their families, ministries, spiritual lives and personal challenges.

b) Because We Need One Another's Spiritual Support (Romans 15:30)

Paul appealed to the believers in Rome to strive together with him in their prayers to God on his behalf.

Even an apostle recognised the importance of the prayers of other believers. This shows that no Christian is so spiritually strong that he or she no longer needs the support of others.

Ministers, church workers, young believers and mature Christians all need prayer. We must never assume that because someone is a leader, that person has no personal battles.

Practical Application: Pray consistently for pastors, ministers, church workers and Christian leaders. Remember that those who minister to others also need spiritual strength.

c) Because the Enemy Seeks to Weaken the Church (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Peter warns believers to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks about seeking whom he may devour. He then instructs them to resist the enemy steadfastly in the faith.

The enemy seeks to weaken believers through temptation, deception, division, discouragement and spiritual compromise. Praying for all saints helps the Church stand together against these attacks.

Our intercession should include prayers for holiness, spiritual strength, discernment and steadfastness in the faith.

Practical Application: Pray that fellow believers will not fall into temptation, embrace false teaching or become discouraged by the pressures of life.

d) Because God Desires the Salvation of All People (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Paul connects prayer and intercession with God's desire that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

When we pray for all saints, we should also pray that believers will become effective witnesses of the Gospel. The spiritual health of the Church is important because God uses His people to communicate the message of salvation to the world.

Practical Application: Pray for believers to grow in evangelistic passion and become bold witnesses of Jesus Christ in their communities.

Biblical Example: The Jerusalem Church (Acts 12:5-17)

When Peter was imprisoned, the Church prayed earnestly for him. Their intercession was not limited to personal needs; they stood together for a fellow believer facing a serious crisis. God sent an angel to deliver Peter from prison. This account demonstrates the importance of united prayer for fellow Christians.

3. THE PEOPLE AND GROUPS WE MUST REMEMBER IN PRAYER

The command to pray for all saints calls us to develop a broad and compassionate prayer life. We must not allow familiarity, distance, personal differences or lack of information to restrict our intercession.

There are different categories of believers who need our prayers. Some are carrying responsibilities that affect many people, while others are facing private struggles that only God fully understands.

a) Pray for Pastors and Christian Leaders (Colossians 4:3-4)

Paul requested prayer that God would open a door for the Word and enable him to make the Gospel known clearly.

Pastors and Christian leaders carry spiritual responsibilities that require divine wisdom, strength and grace. They face pressures relating to ministry, families, leadership, counselling, administration and spiritual warfare.

Praying for leaders is not an endorsement of every decision they make; it is a biblical expression of support for those who serve the body of Christ.

Practical Application: Pray for your pastor and other Christian leaders to remain faithful to Scripture, maintain holiness, receive divine wisdom and minister with spiritual strength.

b) Pray for New Converts and Young Believers (Colossians 1:9-10)

New believers need spiritual nourishment, sound teaching and encouragement to establish them in the faith. They may face opposition from old habits, former relationships and the pressures of their environment.

Young Christians must be strengthened to develop a personal relationship with Christ and become rooted in the Word of God.

Practical Application: Pray for new converts to grow in faith, overcome temptation, understand Scripture and become established members of the body of Christ.

c) Pray for Believers Facing Persecution (Hebrews 13:3)

The writer of Hebrews instructs believers to remember those who are in bonds and those who suffer adversity.

Across the world, some Christians experience hostility, discrimination, imprisonment and violence because of their faith. They need prayer for protection, courage, endurance and the grace to remain faithful to Christ.

Practical Application: Remember persecuted Christians in your intercession. Pray for their safety, comfort, freedom where possible and strength to remain faithful.

d) Pray for the Weak, Discouraged and Struggling (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Paul instructs the Church to comfort the feebleminded, support the weak and be patient towards all people.

Not every believer is strong at every stage of life. Some struggle with grief, disappointment, sickness, financial pressure, family challenges or spiritual discouragement. Such believers need encouragement and prayer rather than condemnation.

Practical Application: Pray for believers who are discouraged or struggling. Where possible, reach out to them with words of encouragement and practical assistance.

Biblical Example: The Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)

The believers at Antioch ministered to the Lord and fasted together. As they worshipped and prayed, the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. The church responded through prayer and fasting, demonstrating the importance of spiritual support and united intercession for those engaged in God's work.

4. THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION

Praying for all saints requires more than mentioning people's names. It calls for a heart that is sincere, persistent and guided by the Holy Spirit. Effective intercession must be rooted in God's Word and motivated by genuine Christian love.

Paul's instruction in Ephesians 6:18 gives us important principles for maintaining a fruitful prayer life on behalf of others.

a) Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

Paul instructs believers to pray in the Spirit. This means that our prayers must be dependent on the Holy Spirit and consistent with the will and purposes of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and enables us to pray according to God's will. Intercession should not be driven by bitterness, prejudice, personal revenge or human assumptions.

Practical Application: Depend on the Holy Spirit as you pray for others. Allow the Word of God to shape your requests and motives.

b) Pray with Perseverance (Romans 12:12)

The Bible commands believers to continue steadfastly in prayer. Intercession is not always answered immediately, and some situations require sustained prayer.

We must not become discouraged because a fellow believer has not yet experienced the desired change. Continue to pray with faith, patience and confidence in God's wisdom.

Practical Application: Keep a prayer list for people and groups you regularly intercede for. Return to those prayer needs consistently rather than praying once and forgetting them.

c) Pray with Love and Compassion (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Christian intercession must flow from love. We cannot sincerely pray for people while deliberately harbouring hatred, bitterness and unforgiveness towards them.

Love helps us pray for people even when they have offended us. It enables us to seek their restoration and spiritual well-being rather than their downfall.

Practical Application: Forgive those who have offended you and pray for them with a sincere heart. Ask God to bless, correct and restore them according to His will.

d) Pray with Faith and Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)

Paul instructs believers to make their requests known to God with thanksgiving.

When we pray for fellow Christians, we should trust God's ability to intervene. Thanksgiving reminds us that God is faithful, even when we cannot immediately see the results of our prayers.

Practical Application: Pray with confidence in God's power and thank Him for His faithfulness towards those for whom you intercede.

Biblical Example: Abraham Interceding for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33)

Abraham stood before the Lord and pleaded for the people of Sodom. Although the account concerns a city rather than the Church, it illustrates the heart of intercession: bringing the needs of others before God with humility, persistence and concern. Abraham's example reminds us that we should not be indifferent to the welfare of others.

5. THE RESULTS OF PRAYING FOR ALL SAINTS

When believers faithfully intercede for one another, the Church becomes stronger in faith, love and unity. Prayer does not replace practical responsibility, but it invites God's help and strengthens believers to fulfil their responsibilities.

A praying Church is better equipped to face spiritual challenges, support its members and advance the Gospel.

a) It Strengthens Christian Unity (John 17:20-21)

In His prayer, Jesus asked the Father that those who would believe in Him through the disciples' message might be one.

Prayer helps believers focus on their common identity in Christ rather than allowing personal differences to divide them. As we pray for one another, we learn to value the entire body of Christ.

Practical Application: Pray against division, jealousy, strife and unforgiveness in the Church. Work towards peace and unity among believers.

b) It Promotes Spiritual Growth and Maturity (Colossians 1:9-12)

Paul prayed that believers would be filled with spiritual understanding, walk worthy of the Lord and increase in the knowledge of God.

When we pray for one another's spiritual growth, we are asking God to produce Christlike character in His people. We must desire more than numerical growth or material prosperity; we must desire a mature and fruitful Church.

Practical Application: Pray for believers to grow in holiness, wisdom, love, faithfulness and obedience to God's Word.

c) It Provides Strength in Times of Crisis (James 5:16)

James teaches that believers should pray for one another. He also declares that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.

There are times when believers face challenges that appear overwhelming. The prayers of fellow Christians can provide spiritual encouragement and support as they look to God for help.

Practical Application: Do not abandon people during their difficult seasons. Stand with them in prayer and provide practical support where possible.

d) It Advances the Work of the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Paul requested prayer that the Word of the Lord might have free course and be glorified.

The advancement of the Gospel requires the prayers of the Church. Missionaries, evangelists, pastors, church planters and every believer involved in Christian witness need spiritual support.

Practical Application: Pray for the spread of the Gospel, the effectiveness of Christian ministries and the salvation of people in your community and beyond.

Biblical Example: The Church Praying for Peter (Acts 12:5-17)

The believers gathered to pray for Peter while he was imprisoned. God answered their prayers by delivering him. This intervention strengthened the testimony of God's power and encouraged the Church. It shows that intercession can become a powerful means through which God brings help and deliverance to His people.

6. BECOMING A FAITHFUL INTERCESSOR FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST

Every believer is called to participate in the ministry of prayer. Intercession should not be left only to pastors, prayer leaders or people who attend prayer meetings. Every Christian has the privilege and responsibility of praying for others.

To become a faithful intercessor, we must develop a compassionate heart, a disciplined prayer life and a willingness to remain committed to the spiritual welfare of the Church.

a) Develop a Burden for the Body of Christ (Romans 9:1-3)

Paul expressed deep concern for the spiritual condition of his fellow Israelites. His example reveals the importance of carrying a genuine burden for the salvation and welfare of others.

A believer who has no concern for the spiritual condition of fellow Christians must ask God to enlarge his or her heart with Christian love.

Practical Application: Ask God to give you a deeper burden for the Church, its members and the advancement of His kingdom.

b) Make Intercession a Daily Habit (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer should not be restricted to emergencies or special church programmes. It must become a regular part of our Christian lives.

Daily intercession enables us to remember people consistently and prevents our prayer life from becoming centred only on personal needs.

Practical Application: Set aside time each day to pray for specific individuals, church departments, ministers, families and the universal Church.

c) Pray for Those Who Offend You (Matthew 5:44)

Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.

It is easy to pray for people who love and appreciate us. However, Christian maturity is demonstrated when we can also pray for those who oppose, misunderstand or offend us.

Such prayer does not mean approving wrongdoing. It means refusing to allow hatred to control our hearts and seeking God's righteous work in every situation.

Practical Application: Identify anyone against whom you have been harbouring bitterness. Forgive that person and commit the situation to God in prayer.

d) Encourage Others to Become Intercessors (1 Samuel 12:23)

Samuel considered it a sin against the Lord to cease praying for the people of Israel. His commitment reveals that spiritual leadership includes the responsibility of prayer.

We should encourage our families, church members and fellow believers to develop a culture of intercession. A praying Christian community becomes a source of spiritual strength and encouragement.

Practical Application: Participate in corporate prayer meetings and encourage others to pray consistently for the body of Christ.

Biblical Example: Samuel (1 Samuel 12:23)

Samuel declared that he would not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for the people. Despite the challenges and shortcomings of Israel, he remained committed to intercession. His example teaches us that faithful intercessors do not abandon the people of God because of their imperfections. They continue to seek God's mercy, guidance and help for them.

CONCLUSION

Praying for all saints is a vital responsibility of every believer. We are members of one body, and God expects us to demonstrate genuine love and concern for one another through persistent intercession. We must pray for pastors, church leaders, new converts, persecuted Christians, the weak, the discouraged and believers everywhere. Our prayers should be guided by the Holy Spirit, rooted in God's Word and offered with faith, love and perseverance.

Let us therefore move beyond self-centred prayers and become committed intercessors for the body of Christ. The Church needs believers who will stand in the gap, carry one another's burdens and seek the spiritual growth of God's people. May the Lord give us compassionate hearts and renewed commitment to pray for all saints, until the whole body of Christ grows in faith, unity, holiness and spiritual maturity.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a heart that genuinely cares for the spiritual welfare of fellow believers in Jesus name.

2. Lord, make me a faithful and consistent intercessor for the body of Christ in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen pastors and Christian leaders with wisdom, grace and spiritual power in Jesus name.

4. Lord, establish new converts and young believers firmly in the faith in Jesus name.

5. Father, protect and strengthen Christians facing persecution and opposition in Jesus name.

6. Lord, restore every weak, discouraged and spiritually struggling believer in Jesus name.

7. Father, remove every spirit of division, bitterness and disunity from Your Church in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let the Gospel advance through the prayers and faithful witness of Your people in Jesus name.

9. Father, unite believers everywhere in love, holiness and commitment to Your Word in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make our churches houses of prayer, spiritual strength and genuine Christian love in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive a compassionate heart and a renewed burden for the body of Christ.

2. Your prayer altar shall become a source of strength and encouragement to others.

3. You shall not be consumed by selfishness; you shall grow in Christian love and intercession.

4. Every believer connected to your prayers shall receive divine strength and encouragement.

5. Pastors and Christian leaders shall receive fresh grace, wisdom and strength for their assignments.

6. Every weak and discouraged believer you remember in prayer shall find strength in the Lord.

7. The Church of Jesus Christ shall grow in unity, holiness and spiritual maturity.

8. Every scheme of the enemy against the body of Christ shall be resisted through prayer and the power of God.

9. You shall become a faithful instrument in advancing the Gospel through prayer and service.

10. Your life shall be remembered as a blessing to the Church and a faithful support to God's people, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.