Abraham’s prayer for Ishmael: “So Abraham said to God, ’May Ishmael live under your special blessing!’” (Genesis 17:18, NLT).
Abraham’s intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32): Abraham pleads with God to spare the righteous from destruction in the city of Sodom. His nephew Lot, who was like a son to him, and family were living in the city during this time.
Job’s prayers for his children: “When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom” (Job 1:5, NIV).
Manoah’s prayer for guidance over Samson: “Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: ’Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born’” (Judges 13:8, NIV).
Jairus’ plea for his daughter: “Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, ’My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live’” (Mark 5:22,23, NIV).
The father of the demon-possessed boy: When a father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus, saying, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us”, Jesus told him that “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24, NIV).
The father of the epileptic boy: A man approached Jesus and knelt before him saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and is suffering greatly” (Matthew 17:14,15, NIV).
Zechariah’s song of thanksgiving: While not a direct prayer for his child John the Baptist, Zechariah praised God after his son’s birth and spoke of the role John would play in preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:67-75).
Jacob’s blessing for His sons: Before his death, Jacob pronounced blessings upon his 12 sons, praying for their future and their descendants (Genesis 49:1-28).
David for his newborn son: In 2 Samuel 12 we see David praying and fasting for his sick son. He knows he has done wrong and there is a prophecy from Nathan that the boy will die but while the illness remains David prays heart and soul for him. He thinks ”Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.” The child dies and David accepts it.
