Transforming Lives Through Prayer For Others - Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Praying for others is a central aspect of Christian faith and community, reflecting both love and intercession on behalf of others. As Armenian Christians we believe that prayer is a direct line of communication with God, and through this, we are called not only to seek guidance for our own lives but also to lift others up in prayer. This is called "intercessory prayer," where one prays for the needs, struggles, and spiritual growth of others. The New Testament (1 Timothy 2:1) encourages believers to "make petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for all people," illustrating that God values the act of praying for others as an expression of love and compassion. Through praying for others, we align ourselves with God’s heart, asking for His will to be done in the lives of those we care about and demonstrating our faith in His power to act.

Intercessory prayer not only helps the one being prayed for but also strengthens our own faith. When we pray for others, we grow closer to them in empathy and love, which are both fruits of the Holy Spirit. It’s a practice that deepens a sense of community within the church, as individuals bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). By praying for one another, we acknowledge that everyone is part of the body of Christ; when one person suffers, the whole body feels it (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Praying for others is also a way to witness God's work in others’ lives, which reaffirms our faith. Jesus’ ministry is full of examples where He prays for others. He prays for His disciples and all believers (John 17). By following Jesus’ example, we learn to have a heart of compassion and desire for others to experience God’s love, healing, and guidance. Witnessing answered prayers reminds us that God is active in the world, working through prayer to impact lives, and that prayer is a powerful means of partnering with Him.

Indeed, praying for others draws us closer to God’s mission, which calls us to love and serve. Praying for others is an act of selflessness, where we put aside our own desires and take up the needs of others, demonstrating Jesus' commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). It’s a reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial love and His call to care deeply about the lives of others. When we consistently pray for others, we train our hearts to be sensitive to others’ needs and practicing the very nature of Christ-like love.