Others First in Prayer

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you…This is My commandment: that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:7, 12-13 HCSB

Many of us would like to become known as tzaddikim: righteous, holy people who are known for their intimate relationship with God and their desire to see their fellow humans united with Elohim. Part of the tzaddikim lifestyle is characterized by the ability to pray powerfully. That is why James says, “The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”[1]

The Master chose to give us the secret to answered prayer in today’s’ passage. He said that that we must “remain” in Him and that His “words remain” in us. That means that we should work hard at maintaining our relationship (d’vekut) with Him.

The way to do that is to remember and obey His teachings. After all, further in this same discussion on prayer, Jesus said “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”[2] He made a direct correlation between answered prayer, a loving relationship and obedience.

Jesus’ half brother, James, gave us more instruction on being a wise prayer warrior. He said, “Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and lie in defiance of the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.”[3]

We all tend to pray selfishly. It is a natural human trait. We pray, “God help me out of this.” Or, “God give me that.” But Jesus’ commandment is that we should love others and be willing to lay aside our lives for others. James’ teaching is that selfish ambition has no place in the d’vekut (passionate relationship between God and man) of the tzaddikim.

So, before offering prayers for your own well-being, offer a prayer for someone else first. Before asking for forgiveness and mercy, pray that someone else may receive the same. Before begging for financial security, ask that Yawheh Yireh provide for someone you know. Before praying for your own marriage, pray for someone else’s.

This will allow you to develop greater empathy. It will help burn out the selfish narcissism of your prayers and allow you to see greater power and influence with both God and men.

[1] James 5:16
[2] John 15:14-15 HCSB
[3] James 3:13-17 HCSB