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“Two Reasons to Tell Someone You Are Praying For Them”
Categories: Bulletin Articles, Clay Gentry
How often have you heard “I’ll pray for you,” only for the sentiment to feel as fleeting as a quick hello in a crowded foyer? Or perhaps you’ve offered the phrase yourself, a well-intentioned conversational reflex that sometimes gets lost in the everyday shuffle of life. While “I’ll pray for you” has become a common staple in our Christian vocabulary, it often rings hollow, dissolving into mere pleasantry rather than genuine commitment. But what if we transformed these familiar words into powerful acts of tangible encouragement? What if, when we pray for others, we intentionally let them know we’re doing it, and even share what those prayers consist of?
Paul’s Powerful Precedent
Paul understood the profound power of sharing his prayers. In nearly every one of his epistles, he informed his recipients that he was praying for them and even detailed what he had prayed for on their behalf. Paul encouraged the churches in Rome (Rom 1:9-12), Corinth (1 Cor 1:4-8; 2 Cor 13:7), Galatia (Gal 6:18), Ephesus (Eph 1:16-23), Philippi (Php 1:3-6), and Thessalonica (1 Ths 1:2-3; 2 Ths 1:11-12) by sharing his prayers. Beyond his church directed letters, Paul also personally uplifted Philemon (Phl 4-7) and Timothy (1 Tim 5:21, 6:13-16; 2 Tim 1:3-7) by sharing news of his prayers for them.
When you tell someone that you are praying for them and share specific details about your prayers, it provides two key benefits for the person you’re praying for:
1. They'll Know Your Genuine Concern: Your prayers become a visible display of care, deepening connections, and offering tangible comfort. Think of Epaphras, whose deep concern for the Colossian church drove him to “struggle on [their] behalf in his prayers” (Col 4:12). Imagine the powerful impact on the Colossian believers when they heard their friend Epaphras was zealously interceding for them, specifically petitioning for them to “stand mature and fully assured” in God's will. Letting someone know you’re praying for them, and how, conveys a level of genuine support that merely saying, “I’ll pray for you,” often cannot.
2. It Strengthens Their Faith: The awareness of specific prayers can dramatically bolster someone’s confidence and resolve during challenging times. Why could Paul rejoice in the face of an impending trial before Caesar? A key reason was knowing the church at Philippi was praying for him (Php 1:18a-19). The Spirit of Jesus coupled with the prayers of the Philippians gave him the remarkable strength to assert, “I will not be at all ashamed but… Christ will be honored in my body whether by life or by death” (Php 1:20). Imagine the burden Paul might have carried, and how his courage might have wavered, if he had no idea anyone was praying for him. Your transparency in prayer directly contributes to another’s ability to stand firm in their faith.
“I’m praying for you” isn’t Christian small talk; it’s a vital act of love. The prayers we offer in secret can become greater blessings when shared. As we pray for others, let’s commit to informing them that they are in our prayers and sharing what we’re specifically asking God for on their behalf. Your encouragement might be just what gives them the strength to keep going for another day. Send a text, make a call, or visit them, and share the words of your intercession. They will benefit immensely from your thoughtfulness and love.
