In the epistle of James chapter 5 and verse 15, the apostle gives this exhortation “…pray one for another…” On the same subject of praying for others, Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:1, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Again an exhortation from Paul in Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

There are about eight times in Scripture where the Apostle Paul speaks about the need of prayer for himself. In reality, it might be more accurate to say that Paul “told” people to pray for him. In most instances, he gave the reason for this urgent need of prayer. I want to look to this great man if God’s asking for others to pray for him. I, or most others, would not dare compare their lives to this man, but every other individual and I need others to pray on our behalf. 

As stated earlier, the apostle, at times, gave a reason for requesting prayer. I will make this my request, without being too specific, because I need God’s help, leadership, wisdom, and guidance, along with so many other such needs. I once was preaching revival for a pastor that said a minister should never request prayer from a church because he was supposed to be above such needs of prayer. I silently rejected that advice then and now reaffirm my continuing rejection by asking everyone for prayer on my behalf. The last time I heard anyone speak of him was to say that he had gone away from God. I don’t know that for sure, but if so, he would have undoubtedly been helped by the prayers of people who would have lifted him to God in sincere prayer. 

Thank God that the reason for my asking people to lift me up in prayer is that He will grant me everything I need as I love Him, walk with Him, submit myself to Him until the day I hear my loving Savior say, “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).