We all want deeper relationships with some people. Maybe you feel a strong connection with a friend. Maybe you want to be closer to the people in your church or a relative. We can bring more depth to a relationship by investing ourselves in the other person’s life. For a Christian, the first step is simple – pray.

For years, I read about the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and pictured myself running into my own spiritual battles. However, I was missing an important point in this passage. We do not battle only for ourselves. We’re called to fight for everyone around us, starting with prayer. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18

The example

After putting on our armor, God’s first command is not to preach, teach, witness, or even spend more time with people. No doubt these are good tactics, but our first command is to pray. The apostle Paul faced many hardships and persecution. But, he never asked his friends to save him, stage a protest outside the jail, or try to break him out of prison. On every occasion of trouble, no matter how dire the circumstances or scared he might’ve been, he asked them to pray.

In Ephesians 6, he tells us how to get ready for battle and then calls us to the same action. He doesn’t just tell us to pray for our own protection and success. He tells us to pray for “all the Lord’s people.” We’re not just battling for ourselves. We’re battling for the people around us. 

We have the chance to fight for our loved ones in whatever spiritual battle they face, whether it be anxiety and depression, physical ailments, or a need for divine comfort or direction. What’s more, prayer can be an important catalyst for building relationships in a very practical way.

By regularly reminding ourselves of others’ needs and struggles, we automatically become personally invested in their life.

Perhaps that’s one reason God asks us to pray for the needs and dreams He already knows. He wants to bring us closer together. We need each other.

A practical reminder

Am I the only one who easily forgets about concerns that are not right in front of me? I so often get caught up in my own day-to-day life and lose sight of what others are going through.

• The friend who is struggling to keep up with the demands of her job
• The kid who is being teased at school
• The friend at church who is dealing with back pain
• The single friend who is praying for a spouse
• My mom’s doctor’s appointment

It’s not that I don’t genuinely care about the people in my life or what they’re going through. Those thoughts just so easily get pushed out of my head by my kids’ tantrums, the dirty dishes, and my own workload. When I’m not intentional, I discover so many missed opportunities to help someone through hardship or rejoice in others’ victories. Sometimes I even realize I haven’t talked to someone in almost a year.

I have found praying for those around me makes me a better friend, daughter, sister, mother, wife, church member, etc. Through regular prayer, I better remember others’ struggles or needs. As I pay more attention to their lives, I become more attune to God’s work. I may even see how He wants me to get involved.

• When I pray for the lady at church who is dealing with back pain, I remember to ask her on Sunday how she is feeling and maybe offer some encouragement. 

• As I pray regularly for the child who is being teased at school, I remember to write them a note of encouragement and find more joy in their good days.

• Intentional prayer for my church calls my attention to specific ways God moves through the congregation and what He may be calling me to do.

• By helping a friend pray for the spouse or child they long for, I rejoice more enthusiastically when that dream comes to fruition. 

• When I pray for my husband to have wisdom in his management position, I become more invested in his work life. I more often ask about his day and genuinely listen.

Make it a priority

So, let’s put on our spiritual armor, take up our sword and shield, and then kneel down and pray for those around us. After all, this is the best posture for spiritual warfare and building relationships.

I need this reminder as much as anyone. Making time and priority for prayer is difficult in our busy lives, but it’s worth it.

How can I pray for you?