A simple prayer for someone
If you only need one prayer for a friend right now, start here. Put their name in and pray it slowly.
A prayer for a friend
Father, I bring my friend [Name] to You. You know what they're carrying today better than I do. Meet them right where they are.
Give them what they need most: strength for what's hard, peace where they're anxious, and wisdom for what's next. Remind them how deeply they are loved, by You and by the people around them. Help me be a good friend to them this week. In Jesus' name, amen.
How to pray for someone, step by step
Praying for someone doesn't take special words. It's a lot like asking a friend for a favor on someone else's behalf. These six steps make it simple.
- 1
Ask how you can pray
Guessing is fine, but asking is better. "How can I pray for you this week?" lets them tell you what actually matters to them, which is often not what you'd expect. Our guide to asking how you can pray has more ways to say it.
- 2
Listen all the way through
Let them finish. Don't rush to fix it or to share a similar story. Listening well is part of praying well, and it tells them you take their need seriously.
- 3
Pray specifically
"Bless Jamie" is a fine start. "Give Jamie a clear head for her exam on Thursday, and help her sleep the night before" is better. Specific prayers help you pay attention, and they make it easier to notice when God answers.
- 4
Pray Scripture when you don't have words
The Bible is full of prayers you can borrow. Read a verse, then pray it back to God with your friend's name in it. There are a few to start with further down this page.
- 5
Tell them you prayed
A short message lets them know someone carried their need to God today. It's one of the kindest texts you can send.
- 6
Follow up
Set a reminder to check back in a few days. "How did the interview go?" shows you meant it. If the need is ongoing, keep praying and keep asking.
Pray right away
When someone asks you to pray, the surest way to remember is to pray on the spot, even silently, or out loud with them if they're comfortable. "Can I pray for you right now?" is a gift most people gladly accept.
Short prayers for a friend
One line each, for a quick moment between other things.
- Lord, be close to my friend today, and let them feel it. Amen.
- Father, give them peace in the middle of all they're facing. Amen.
- Jesus, carry what they can't carry on their own. Amen.
- God, give them wisdom for the decision in front of them. Amen.
- Lord, give them rest tonight and fresh strength tomorrow. Amen.
- Father, remind them they are loved and not forgotten. Amen.
Example prayers for different people
How you pray depends on who you're praying for. Change the details so each one fits the person in front of you.
For a close friend
God, thank You for [Name]. You've given me a friend who makes my life better, and I don't say that enough. Whatever they're going through right now, help them. Give them courage where they're afraid and hope where they're discouraged. Keep our friendship honest and kind. Amen.
For a family member
Father, I lift up [Name] to You. You know our family, our history and every hard thing between us, and You love each of us anyway. Bless them today. Protect their health, give them joy in small things, and help me love them with patience. Amen.
For a coworker
Lord, I pray for [Name] at work. Their job asks a lot of them, and so does the rest of their life. Give them focus during the day and rest when they go home. Help me be someone who makes their day lighter, not heavier. Amen.
For someone you barely know
God, I don't know [Name] well, but You know everything about them. You know what they need today, even if I never will. Please meet that need. Let them feel cared for, and if there's a way I can help, show me. Amen.
For someone you disagree with
Lord, I bring [Name] to You, and honestly, it isn't easy. We see things differently, and I've been frustrated. Bless them anyway. Give them good things today. Show me where I've been proud or unkind, and help me treat them the way You treat me, with patience I haven't earned. Amen.
Praying for someone you're at odds with won't erase the disagreement, but it often softens your own heart first.
For a friend who isn't a Christian
Father, thank You for my friend [Name]. You love them more than I ever could. Take care of them: their health, their work, the people they love. Let them sense Your kindness in ordinary moments, and help me be a friend who reflects it well, without pressure and without pretending. Amen.
For someone going through a hard season
Jesus, [Name] is tired and hurting right now. I don't have answers for them, but You are near. Hold them up when they feel like they can't keep going. Send them people who will show up, and give them one good moment today to hold on to. Amen.
For someone facing a big decision
God, [Name] has a decision to make and doesn't know which way to go. Give them clarity, and peace about whatever they choose. Protect them from fear and from other people's pressure. Lead them one step at a time. Amen.
Praying Scripture for someone
Some of the oldest prayers for other people are right in the Bible. Read the verse, then pray it in your own words.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Praying Numbers 6:24–26
Lord, bless [Name] and keep them safe. Let them sense Your kindness toward them today. Be gracious to them where they've fallen short, and give them a deep, steady peace. Amen.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Praying Matthew 5:44
Jesus, You asked me to pray for people who have hurt me. I don't feel like it, but I'm doing it anyway. Bless [Name]. Do them good. And heal what's still sore in me. Amen.
Other good passages to pray for someone include Paul's prayers in Ephesians 3:14–21, Philippians 1:9–11 and Colossians 1:9–12. Each one can be prayed almost word for word with a friend's name in it.
How to let someone know you prayed for them
A short message is enough. Keep it about them, not about you, and don't expect a reply.
Hey, I prayed for you this morning. Thinking of you today.
Just prayed for your interview. Whatever happens, I'm proud of you.
I know this week is a lot. I'm praying for you, and you don't need to write back.
Prayed for your mom again today. How's she doing?
Thinking of you and praying. Is there anything specific I can pray for?
Following up: how did it go? I've been praying all week.
If you're praying for someone who isn't a Christian, or who's had a rough experience with church, it's kind to ask first: "Would it be okay if I prayed for you?" Most people say yes and are touched to be asked.
Keep a short list
Write the names and needs somewhere you'll see them, like a note on your phone. When you check back and hear how things went, write that down too. Over time it becomes a record of how God has answered.
Coming soon to iPhone
Let them know you're praying
PrayerBoard is coming soon: a private circle where friends share what's going on, pray with a tap and see who's praying for them.
Free, with no ads. We'll only email you about the launch.
Questions people ask
How do I pray for someone?
Tell God who you're praying for and what they need, ask Him to help them in that specific way, and thank Him for them. A few honest sentences in your own words is a real prayer.
What do I say when praying for a friend?
Name your friend, name what they're facing, and ask for something specific: peace before an interview, wisdom for a decision, healing, rest. Then ask God to remind them they're loved.
Do I need to tell someone I prayed for them?
You don't have to, but it often means a great deal. A short text like "I prayed for you this morning" reminds someone they aren't carrying things alone.
Can I pray for someone who isn't a Christian?
Yes. You can pray for their health, their work, their family and their peace, and that they would know God's love. If you tell them you're praying, ask first whether they'd welcome it.
How long should I pray for someone?
There's no set length. A one-sentence prayer prayed every day for a month is often more meaningful than one long prayer prayed once.
