How to Pray for Just About Anyone (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we finish up 1 Thessalonians and learn about prayer!
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How to Pray for Just About Anyone
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NLT)
One of the most practical and life-changing topics in the Christian life is prayer. In this section of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we get a front-row seat to how Paul prays for the people he loves—and how we can use this as a template to pray for just about anyone.
Whether you’re praying for:
- A friend going through trials,
- Someone you’re discipling,
- Or even an enemy who has hurt you—
Paul’s words give us a timeless framework for how to pray with power, purpose, and perspective.
1. Start by Thanking God
Paul begins by expressing gratitude:
“How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT)
Thankfulness is the foundation of prayer. Gratitude shifts your heart from bitterness to hope. This applies even when praying for someone difficult. Find something—anything—to be grateful for: a past good moment, their God-given potential, or how God is using the situation to grow your character.
2. Pray for Your Impact on Them
Paul says, “Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT)
Often, our prayers are entirely focused on the other person. Paul teaches us to also pray about how God might use us in their lives. Whether it’s a friend, a disciple, or even an enemy, ask:
“God, how do You want to use me in their story?”
Be open to opportunities to encourage, equip, or even lovingly challenge them. Sometimes a simple text or sharing a podcast link can make a difference.
3. Pray for Relational Restoration
Paul continues, “May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT)
Paul knew that Satan was actively trying to hinder their reunion. So he prayed for God to overcome the barriers. We should pray the same for any strained relationship in our lives, including enemies.
Romans 12:18 (NLT) reminds us: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Sometimes reconciliation is beyond our control, but prayer invites God into the process.
4. Pray for Their Love to Overflow
Paul shifts to pray for the Thessalonians themselves:
“May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT)
We can ask God to help others grow in their love—not only for fellow believers but also for everyone, even those who are difficult. It’s also a moment to pray for our own heart:
“God, help me love them the way You love me.”
5. Pray for Eternal Perspective
Finally, Paul lifts their eyes to eternity:
“May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13 NLT)
Instead of getting stuck on temporary problems—whether it’s a friend’s trial or an enemy’s offense—pray for their ultimate readiness to meet Jesus. Pray for salvation, growth, and holiness. This eternal mindset transforms the way we pray for everyone.
The Bottom Line:
Prayer changes hearts—starting with yours. Who do you need to start praying for this way?
Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
