What is the meaning of ‘pray one for another’?

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16 KJV)

Meaning

Praying for one another is what we normally call intercession. Intercession is the action of saying a prayer on behalf of another with the hope that God will do something in his life.

At some point in history, Peter was arrested by Herod and was locked up in jail to be killed soon for the amusement of the Jews. But the church prayed for Peter and the Lord sent His angel to bring deliverance for Peter.

Human as we are, despite our faith and devotion to God, sometimes we give up and are overwhelmed by problems, trials and temptation. Perhaps, Peter when he was apprehended and jailed had no hope of surviving but was just waiting to die. However, while his situation appeared hopeless in his own eyes, prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God (Ac 12:5). It was the prayer of the church that worked his deliverance.

So godly wisdom directs us to join our own prayers with those of our fellow Christians for this unites us more closely in goodwill and affection. We also ought to pray more fervently for the souls of our Christian brethren than for their bodies so that we would remain in the faith to the end of our days.

St. James’ injunction concerning the sick is, “Pray for one another, that ye may be healed.” Therefore, in the ancient liturgies, persons dangerously ill were recommended by name to the throne of grace, for such mercies as they needed so that they might be heal. This does not mean that seeking medical attention is unnecessary. It is very necessary. However, healing is of the Lord. So while the sick is taking the doctors prescribed medicine, we pray also for him.

Praying for one another should be part of our Christian habits. We should do well to pray for one another anytime we go down on our knees to pray. This boils down to having an effective daily prayer life; it is only during your daily prayer time that you would remember to pray for others. And when praying for your fellow Christians, pray

For those who are sick.
For those who are backsliding.
For those who are experiencing trying times.
For those who are spiritually weak.