Bible passages on praying for others

[Celia]

Hi everyone, I’m wondering if you could help me. I’m somewhat of a recent “re-vert” to the church and am attempting to interest my husband in the faith as well. (He grew up in a pretty non-religious household, one of those “everyone finds their own truth” kind of things. So, a lot of the issues he has aren’t necessarily with Catholicism but rather with organized religion in general.) We were discussing the issue today of praying to Mary and the saints for their intercession. He accepts that Catholics aren’t worshiping anyone but God and that we are simply asking for their prayers, just as you would ask a friend or family member to pray for you or promise your prayers for someone else. The problem is, he doesn’t understand why we pray for other people at all-he said something like, “Does God listen to the prayers of a bunch of people for one thing rather than one person praying for something? That doesn’t seem right.” Well, I know in my heart that it’s ok but I didn’t have any biblical proof or anything or any real response at all. Does anyone know any scripture passages that promote praying for one another? It seems I’ve read something before but can’t remember where. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Pug]

from 1th 5

25 Brothers, pray for us

from Col1:3

9 Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding

from James 5

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

from 1pet3

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers."

 

[Fidelis]

How about this?:

1 Timothy 2:1-4

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.

 

[Todd_Easton]

From what Jesus said, it would appear that when it comes to prayer there is strength in numbers:
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (Matt 18:18)

 

[Malachi4U]

Welcome home to Christs body, His Catholic Church!:clapping:

 

[johnq]

Celia

Here is what some of the Church fathers had to say concerning intercession.

catholic.net/linksframe.phtml?link=http://www.scripturecatholic.com.

Here are some more bible quotes taken from

www.scripturecatholic.com

God Desires and Responds to Our Subordinate Mediation / Intercessory Prayer

1 Tim 2:1-2 - because Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), many Protestants deny the Catholic belief that the saints on earth and in heaven can mediate on our behalf. But before Paul’s teaching about Jesus as the “one mediator,” Paul urges supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. Paul is thus appealing for mediation from others besides Christ, the one mediator. Why?

1 Tim 2:3 - because this subordinate mediation is good and acceptable to God our Savior. Because God is our Father and we are His children, God invites us to participate in Christ’s role as mediator.

1 Tim. 2:5 - therefore, although Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, there are many intercessors (subordinate mediators).

1 Cor. 3:9 - God invites us to participate in Christ’s work because we are God’s “fellow workers” and one family in the body of Christ. God wants His children to participate. The phrase used to describe “fellow workers” is “sunergoi,” which literally means synergists, or cooperators with God in salvific matters. Does God need fellow workers? Of course not, but this shows how much He, as Father, loves His children. God wants us to work with Him.

Mark 16:20 - this is another example of how the Lord “worked with them” (“sunergountos”). God cooperates with us. Out of His eternal love, He invites our participation.

Rom. 8:28 - God “works for good with” (the Greek is “sunergei eis agathon”) those who love Him. We work as subordinate mediators.

2 Cor. 6:1 - “working together” (the Greek is “sunergountes”) with him, don’t accept His grace in vain. God allows us to participate in His work, not because He needs our help, but because He loves us and wants to exalt us in His Son. It is like the father who lets his child join him in carrying the groceries in the house. The father does not need help, but he invites the child to assist to raise up the child in dignity and love.

Heb. 12:1 - the “cloud of witnesses” (nephos marturon) that we are surrounded by is a great amphitheatre of witnesses to the earthly race, and they actively participate and cheer us (the runners) on, in our race to salvation.

1 Peter 2:5 - we are a holy priesthood, instructed to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. We are therefore subordinate priests to the Head Priest, but we are still priests who participate in Christ’s work of redemption.

Rev. 1:6, 5:10 - Jesus made us a kingdom of priests for God. Priests intercede through Christ on behalf of God’s people.

James 5:16; Proverbs 15:8, 29 - the prayers of the righteous (the saints) have powerful effects. This is why we ask for their prayers. How much more powerful are the saints’ prayers in heaven, in whom righteousness has been perfected.

1 Tim 2:5-6 - therefore, it is because Jesus Christ is the one mediator before God that we can be subordinate mediators. Jesus is the reason. The Catholic position thus gives Jesus the most glory. He does it all but loves us so much He desires our participation.

God

 

[Celia]

Thanks so much guys I know I can always count on this forum to give me awesome answers to my questons. I appreciate it so much…off to discuss with hubby…hope he’s ready Thanks again!P.S. Thanks for the welcome home. I’m still learning, always will be I guess, but finally I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.