What do you pray for those whom you love? Here is a great place to start. I have adapted this from Tony Souder’s excellent resource called “Pray for Me: Prayer Guide.”

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8

Father in heaven,

We praise You that You have not left us in the dark about what is good, but have spoken clearly in Your Word. Thank You for revealing the kind of life that honors Your name and reflects Your character. I pray for all whom I love that they would come to love what You love and desire what You require.

Grant them hearts softened by Your grace—a heart of flesh, not stone (Ezek. 36:26). Make them receptive to all Your commandments, finding joy in obedience rather than burden (Ps. 119:32). Shape them into people who delight to do justice because they know you – the God who is perfectly just (Deut. 32:4).

Open their eyes to the needs around them—the places where compassion is lacking and mercy is required. Let them see people as You see them: image-bearers worthy of dignity and love (Gen. 1:27). Give them wisdom from above (James 3:17), skillful hands, and a steadfast will so they may labor for the good of others and the flourishing of their communities.

When they confront injustice, clothe them with courage and conviction (Josh. 1:9). Make them bold for the oppressed and meek before You their God. Let their pursuit of justice be joined with a deep love of kindness and a life marked by humility—walking closely with You, dependent on Your Spirit, and anchored in Your Word (Ps. 25:9; Gal. 5:22–23).

So Lord, grant to them:

a tender heart awakened by Your grace,

a seeing eye shaped by Your truth,

an awakened mind renewed daily by Your Word,

and a resolute will that delights to do Your commands (Ps. 40:8).

May they do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You all their days.

For Your glory and for their everlasting good, we pray in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.