The Blessing of Intercessory Prayer

The Importance of Prayer

From cover to cover the Bible is filled with examples of prayer.  Jesus modeled different types of prayer.  Prayer is simply communication with God. We can give Him praise, we can cry out to Him, we can ask Him questions and lift up our cares. Praying to our Heavenly Father grows our understanding of and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Jeremiah 29:12   Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

1 Timothy 2:1–2   First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

What is Intercessory Prayer?

The phrase “intercessory prayer” may be unfamiliar to some Christians. Others think this kind of prayer is only for a select few who are specially anointed. But the truth is that all believers are called to intercede as part of a strong prayer and faith life. Intercessory prayer, sometimes called “standing in the gap,” is essentially lifting up the needs and concerns of others to God. And it is an expression of agape, or selfless, love.

Many people use the words “prayer” and “intercession” interchangeably. And though they both have things in common, they are not exactly the same thing. Intercession happens when we reach beyond ourselves and our needs in prayer. When we feel a burden for someone else, we can be encouraged to bring that to the Lord, stand on their behalf, and seek His Will for their lives.

Intercessory prayers include the same elements as regular prayer: a declaration of who God is, a submission to His authority, and praises for His goodness. Each of those show a respect and awe of The Lord, and set our hearts right. Then, we can move into petition, asking our Father to work in someone else’s life. Sometimes we’ll have a clear idea of that persons’ need – other times we may just have a general sense of their circumstances. Either way, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us in how to pray.

by Heather Adams,  “What Exactly is Intercessory Prayer?” @ Bible Study Tools.com

Praying with a Fellow Believer

Last night and older woman called my home to ask for my medical opinion (I’m a retired OR nurse). She was worried about certain details of an upcoming procedure.  I gave her my opinion but also told her to call her surgeon and reassured her that asking questions is not being a bother. Before we hung up I prayed with her.  She stated her immediate relief.

It is a privelege to pray with someone.  Many people answer the expression of a felt need with the canned “my thoughts and prayers are with you”. Prayer is not just relaying kind wishes. We are bringing a need before the Almighty God and asking Him to intervene.

Praying  Everywhere

We were unloading our groceries into the back of our cars. I casually remarked, “I’m trying to finish shopping and get home before it rains again.” The woman next to me replied, “I wish this was all but I have to go to the hospital to be with my sister. Her Dad had a heart attack and she’s a mess”.  She continued to tell me that it has been a bad year – she herself had open heart surgery in January. I had stopped loading my car by this time and focused on her. I told her she looked great and then thoughtfully asked “Could I pray with you?”  She reached out her hand as I asked her name and we prayed right there in the parking lot.

This woman was a total stranger to me. I simply listened to “H” share what was going on in her life. I couldn’t solve her problem but I offered what I had…a listening ear and a connection with The Father.  As she got into her car I reminded her that God would be with her…she replied, “God is good all the time”.

I sat in my car and thought, “what just happened?”  Was I just used by God to lift up a sister in Christ?  I didn’t ask her about her faith. The conversation went so smooth and natural I was sure this interaction was a Divine appointment.  It wasn’t something I specifically prayed for that morning but God used me as an instrument of His grace and peace.

   Col 4:5-6 (NLT)   Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 

I’ve always appreciated the power and privilege of prayer. When I was in college, I had an open door policy. The girls on my dorm floor knew I was willing to pray with them about their concerns.  Over the years I’ve had opportunities to pray with a co-worker going through a divorce and another caring for a sick parent. My neighbor appreciated my praying with her when her husband had dementia even though years  before she had stated, “I have my religion”.  We shouldn’t be afraid of  how someone may respond.  You don’t need special words, just availability, and if they say no it is okay. But if they say yes and allow you to bring them before the Fathers throne,  Oh what a blessing you and they will share.

God is available 24/7. We can come to him in a break room, at a kitchen table or in a parking lot.