One of the simplest and kindest things that we can do for others is to pray for them. This is as simple as including them in our daily prayers or it can include a special prayer on behalf of someone who needs it. When you are unsure about the best way to help someone you can simply say a prayer for him or her. At times you may be prompted on a course of action that you can take, and you may not.
The times that you do receive a prompting in regards to your prayer you should act on it. For example you may feel prompted to drop a meal by or to give the person a quick call. We do not receive revelation on the behalf of other people, but we can receive promptings of how we can serve them or help them in the situation. At times just knowing that someone cares may give this person the added strength they need to go forward.
You can teach your children to pray for others through example. When you pray as a family you can pray for each family member individually. Your children will pick up on this habit and begin praying for each other as well. You can also take the time to pray for extended family or friends who may be going through a difficult time. As is appropriate explain the situation to your family and then request that each family member includes that person in his or her prayers.
Another way that you can extend your prayer for others is to fast for them. There have been situations in my family and wards where we have been requested to fast on the behalf of another member. Generally this involved a serious illness or surgery. The family then picked a day and everyone fasted and prayed for the person on that day. It brought the family together even though we were far apart. It also allowed us to serve even if we were not close enough to be of much physical help.
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