In the first post of this series, we explored prayer as a foundation of love, a ministry that reflects Christ’s heart and strengthens His people. We considered praying daily for friends, trusting God to meet their needs despite even sometimes the limited knowledge of their circumstances. Today, we turn to another facet of this vital ministry: prayer as a source of courage. When you know someone prays for you consistently, you are blessed; their prayers impart strength and boldness to face life’s challenges. This experience reveals prayer’s power to embolden both the one who prays and the one for whom prayer is offered. In this second post, we will examine how the ministry of prayer equips believers with courage, fostering resilience through faith and greater biblical fellowship. Further, when someone prays for us, prayer sustains us in trials and empowers us to stand firm in God’s grace.

The Biblical Call to Prayer for Courage

The Apostle Paul explains how prayer is a means of receiving and imparting courage. He urges believers to pray boldly, stating:

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph 6:18-19).

Paul’s request for prayer reveals his dependence on the intercession of others to proclaim truth with courage. His words remind us that prayer is a weapon in spiritual warfare, equipping us to face opposition with steadfastness.

Likewise, Paul writes:

“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” (2 Thess 3:1-2).

Here, prayer is a plea for deliverance and boldness, demonstrating its role in strengthening believers for God’s mission.

In addition, Paul asks in Colossians as well:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col 4:2-6).

He asks people to pray for him. Why? To specifically give him open opportunities, wisdom, and essentially the courage to do what God had him there to do for God’s glory.

These passages call us to the ministry of prayer, not only for our own courage but also to embolden others in their faith.

An Example of Prayer’s Impact

Imagine a believer named Sarah, who comes to a biblical counselor struggling with overwhelming anxiety. She feels isolated, uncertain about her future, and fearful of failure. Her counselor encourages her to share her burden with a small prayer group in her church. Each week, this group lifts Sarah up in prayer, asking God to grant her peace and strength, though they know few details of her daily struggles. Over time, Sarah begins to sense God’s presence more deeply. She finds courage to face her fears, knowing others are interceding on her behalf. The group’s prayers, offered in faith, become a lifeline, reminding Sarah that she is not alone and that God is her refuge.

This scenario illustrates the power of prayer to impart courage. Like Sarah, many of my counselees over the years, fellow church members, and I have experienced the strength that comes from knowing someone is praying for me. Their faithful intercession assures us that God is at work, even in our weakest moments. This ministry of prayer, rooted in fellowship, reflects the biblical call to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2) and builds up the body of Christ.

The Impact of Being Prayed For

Knowing others pray for us fosters courage in profound ways. Remember, in Hebrews 4:16, where we are invited to come before God’s throne in prayer? The writer declares,

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).

We are invited to approach God with confidence, and when we know others pray for us, they help us, too, draw near to the throne of grace. In my own experience, the knowledge that someone prays for me consistently brings assurance that I am not alone in my struggles. It instills courage to persevere, whether facing personal trials or opportunities to serve God.

When we know others are praying, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, which helps dispel fear and strengthens our resolve. Moreover, those who pray for others, like the group praying for Sarah, grow in courage themselves. As we intercede, we trust God to work, which deepens our faith and emboldens us to face our own challenges. Prayer, then, is a reciprocal ministry, building courage in both the pray-er and the recipient.

As I was writing even this post, I was encouraged by remembering a friend who came over to me before I spoke at a national conference. He told me he was praying for me. Then, he said, “We will be sitting right over there. We chose that seat so that you can see us. When you see us, you will know that we are praying for you.” How encouraging! My friend, going before the throne of grace with his wife, on my behalf. You better believe it provides courage.

I have also reflected on the Monday morning life group that I attend and the Sunday morning prayer group. Both these groups provide me the opportunity to pray for others, while giving me courage as a result of their prayer. Praying for each other which builds courage and encouragement in each of us.

Another man, almost weekly, says, “Love you, Pastor. I am praying for you.”

Applying the Ministry of Prayer

How can we engage in the ministry of prayer to foster courage? Make sure you are part of a life group or small group in your church that regularly prays for each other. Identify one person – perhaps someone facing a trial or serving in ministry – and commit to praying for their strength daily. A powerful scripture to pray is Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This verse can guide your prayer, asking God to grant courage and peace to those in need.

To make this practical, set aside a specific time each day to pray for this person, perhaps during your morning devotions, before bed, or at a set time. I love to set alarms on my phone to help remind me to pray for certain people and certain requests. If you are in a prayer group, share general requests to maintain confidentiality while still interceding faithfully. As you pray, trust that God is working, even if you do not see immediate results. This discipline not only encourages others but also strengthens your own faith, equipping you to better face life’s challenges with boldness.

Conclusion

The ministry of prayer is a source of courage, empowering believers to stand firm in faith and face trials with confidence. As we pray for others and receive their prayers, we experience God’s grace, which sustains us in every season. Remember what God told to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9). Let us embrace prayer as a ministry that imparts this courage to one another. Who will you pray for to strengthen their courage today?

In our final post, we will explore prayer as a call to perseverance, a discipline that sustains each other and the church over time.

Who will you pray for to strengthen their courage today?