Oswald Chambers says in My Utmost for His Highest, “There is no snare or any danger of infatuation or pride in intercession, it is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit whereby the Father is glorified.” Quite often we hear someone ask for prayer or promise to be praying for someone else’s need. It’s part and parcel of our interaction and care for each other as believers, acquaintances, friends, and families. We become aware of a need in someone else’s life and bring them before our Father asking for His help. It’s a beautiful thing. We experience it on an even deeper level when we are the ones who need prayer. It is precious and comforting to know that another person is taking time in his or her busy day to pray for us.
I can’t begin to know all the people who have prayed for me and my family in our lifetimes, or what a great debt I owe them. There were times when someone went out of their way to tell us they prayed for us, and it was a blessing. The couple who lived across the highway from my house as a child spent years praying for me, my family, and many others. We had been married for several years and had three children before I knew that they prayed for us every day. I know they had a long list of people they prayed for daily, and I can’t imagine the fruits of those prayers that they are now enjoying in eternity. We were also on the daily prayer list of another older couple whose lives were fragrant with love and care. In addition there were, of course, the prayers of parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, extended family, church, and friends. You’ve prayed for us in health crises, financial straits, loss, uncertainty, and life’s many twists and turns. Many of you prayed fervently for Jon when he suffered blood clots two years ago, and we are so grateful!
There is no snare in intercession. It is the practice of bringing someone before God and finding His heart for them in their present circumstances. We pray what we know, but God can help us also pray His will and purpose for their lives. Take time to hold that person in the light of God’s love and grace and pray for more than relief from a circumstance. Learn to pray joy, peace, destiny, favor, grace, healing, and depth for their hearts and lives. Pray they know Jesus better every day and that He reveals Himself in a new way.
Take time to thank people who you know have prayed for you. You have no idea what impact their prayers have had or the blessing that may still result from them. Never hesitate to pray for others. You don’t have to wait to be asked.
Pray for those you know and live with,
and your prayers will reach the world at large, also.
God has engineered your interactions to bring you in contact with just these people for this very purpose. They need your prayers, and you will need theirs. God hears and helps you pray. You are joining with Him as He makes intercession for all of us. You have no idea how far some of your prayers have already reached, and there is no limit to how far they can. Pray big things for them in secret, and let God bless them openly that He may receive all the glory and thanks!
Luke 11:1; Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26; Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:9-12; Hebrews 7:25;
James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
His Unfolding Grace 