We know that we are to pray for our fellow believers, but there are times when we may not know how to pray for others. The Apostle John gave us an example how to pray for our fellow believers:

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)

The word beloved is a term of endearment that denotes being esteemed and worthy of love. Effective prayer starts with a genuine love and concern for the other person. Our love for others may be one of the strongest motivations for prayer. The Apostle Paul indicated that he was held fast by the love of God as he ministered to others:

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (2 Corinthians 5:14)

The word prosper literally means to have a good journey and by implication that God will make your path straight and unencumbered. This is the same word for prosper that was used in the Septuagint when God encouraged Joshua as he was preparing to enter the promised land:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success. (Joshua 1:8)

Joshua’s prosperity was directly linked to his engagement with God’s word. The world often equates prosperity with material wealth, but the Scriptures have a much richer meaning that is more inclusive than simply having material wealth. Jesus warned of the danger of living only for material blessings and ignoring heavenly riches:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

As we pray for others, we are also to pray for their health. The word health is the word from which we derive our English word hygiene. This word conveys the idea to be in sound health physically and mentally.

John concluded his prayer with an acknowledgment of the well-being of their souls. John is making an important point that our overall well-being is directly related to the vitality of our souls. If our soul is not healthy, then it may contribute to our lack of prosperity and ill health. Our mind, body, and spirit are intricately linked together. Jesus taught the primacy of watching over our souls:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. (Matthew 6:33)