Day 5: How Do I Pray for Them?
Intention
To see God’s heart for the people he has called you to pray for.
Scripture
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
– Colossians 1:9–14
Reflection
As a young CEO, I faced a very difficult situation with two of my board members. Without going into detail, their actions had caused significant difficulty for the board and the ministry I was leading at the time. I was at a loss as to how to pray for them.
My prayer to God was: “Lord, show me how to pray what is on your heart for them, and not what is on my heart for them.” I knew that what I wanted to pray reflected how I saw them — through my own eyes — rather than through God’s perspective.
That same weekend, after I had begun praying for God’s wisdom, I was scheduled to speak at a conference. On the first evening, I listened to the guest speaker, who spoke from Colossians 1:9–14. God whispered to me: “This is how I am calling you to pray for them.”
From this passage, God encouraged me to:
- Not give up praying for them. In fact, more than 20 years after this event, I still find myself praying for them.
- Pray that they will be filled with God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Throughout all of Paul’s prayers, this seems to be a recurring central theme.
- Pray that they will be people who bear fruit. The development of the fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:22) in each person’s life is so important.
- Pray that they will grow in the knowledge of God and be strengthened with all power, so that they may have great endurance and patience.
- Pray that they would be people who give joyful thanks to God. This brings to mind Paul’s exhortation to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks is a key way to honour God and honour others.
- Pray that they would be rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into God’s kingdom of light.
This passage of Scripture has become very significant for me, as I have often prayed it for others when I do not know how to pray for someone. It has also become central in my prayers for myself and my family. In fact, it is based on Isaiah 11:1–5, which speaks of what Jesus would be like. In essence, when we pray this passage over someone, we are praying that they will become like Christ.
Video
Prayer
Lord, for those that you have placed on our hearts to pray for, we give thanks for each one of them.
Thank you for the plans and purposes you have for their lives, and we ask that they will be fulfilled. May they be people filled with God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We ask that they will bear much fruit, that they will grow in the knowledge of God, and that they will be strengthened with all power.
Rescue them from the dominion of darkness and bring them into your beloved Son’s kingdom.
Amen.
Author Bio
Wes Leake is married with four children. He is a People Builder who is actively involved in ministering to Christians in business and helping them implement redemptive business practices in their spheres of influence.
He also serves as an elder with Australia Prays, which runs the National Day of Prayer each year. In 2026, this falls on 23 May, and you are invited to join with thousands of others who are praying for the nation on that day. For more information go to the Australia Prays website here. This year we are releasing a 15-day devotional focused on asking God for the sevenfold Spirit of God to be evident in our lives. It is available for download from the website.
Prayer Points for Five4Five 2026
1. Five people to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20
2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47
3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15
We invite you to support this campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.
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Great message Wes on how to pray for someone after setting aside our own agenda and needs. Thanks!
Thank you Wes for the real life responses we are challenged to live . Obedience is the Key and the Word truly transforms us more than the people who have hurt us . The truth that sets us free and also gives us the clean hands and pure hearts to ascend the Hill of our God.