It is biblical, right and helpful to ask brethren to pray for you, as long as the purpose for prayerful consideration is right, moral and godly. Such a precedent is clearly set in the course of the Bible.
In closing remarks to the Thessalonian church, Paul requested simply, “Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). He does not there specify a need, but the brethren there knew his life was devoted to the service of Christ. A prayer for Paul would certainly be a prayer in accordance with Christ’s will (as prayers must be, 1 John 5:14-15). Paul himself bolsters this conclusion with his words in Hebrews 13:18: “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” It follows that godly servants of modern times may legitimately request prayers of faithful brethren — not necessarily for any explicit work, but simply for that person’s well being. This is, of course, often done. Missionaries, preachers and elders are heard making the requests of supporters and congregations.
Prayers may also be requested for specific works. Second Thessalonians 3:1-2 has Paul asking the same brethren this: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.”
Two particulars are the subjects of the requested petitions: 1) That the Word of God may have free course, and 2) That its messengers would be delivered from potential persecution at the hands of the faithless. There occur, in the course of church work, grand opportunities for evangelism. Leaders in those efforts are right and wise to request prayers of faithful brethren in regard to these. Also, occurring in the regular course of church action is persecution. People can be unreasonable, hateful and just plain mean. Praying for deliverance from such people’s plots is an offshoot of many Psalms (see Psalms 17; 27:12; 31 for example). It is also somewhat akin to the Lord teaching his disciples to pray, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13).
Reversing the field, one should remember that Paul often prayed for his brethren. In reading the openings to his letters, one will often find phrases like this: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine, making request for you all with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4). One can find a long prayer for Paul’s beloved brethren, beginning at Ephesians 1:15.
Brethren ought to remember these examples. Of course, prayer for one another should be accompanied by action when possible. At times, however, some may feel helpless at being able to do little for others. May we neither forget the power God bestowed in prayer, nor the injunction he gave to all: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
