Interceding for others in prayer is one of the greatest gifts from God we will ever receive. Perhaps as you read this the Lord is prompting you to pray for someone. Don’t hesitate to stop and pray! We may never know on this side of eternity how our prayers made a difference in the lives of those who we are praying for.
Intercession is so important that the Lord often prompts us to intercede for others. The Lord not only prompts us to pray but answers the prayers, He prompted us to pray. Wow! It is amazing to think about how the Lord loves to involve His children in His work, although He does not need our help.
The Crowd was Praying for Zechariah
Zechariah, the future father of John the Baptist, was a priest who was carrying out his duties inside the temple in Jerusalem. While Zechariah was inside the temple, God’s people were outside praying for him.
Luke 1:8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. [1]
The people outside had no idea how important their prayers were. While they were praying, the Angel Gabriel was telling Zechariah that he and his wife would have a son in their old age. Prayers are powerful. James 5:16The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [2] When you doubt the power of your prayers take time to reflect on that verse.
The Lord Calls us to Intercede for Others in Prayer
Intercessory prayer is prayer for the needs of others. Praying for others is an unselfish expression of love God gives us for others. Why does God want us to pray for others? Because intercessory prayer reflects God’s own character of His love and mercy.
The people showed their love when they stood outside the temple and prayed when Zechariah was in the Temple. God wants us to think like He does. Accordingly, praying for others helps us to think beyond ourselves and to grow in compassion for others. In addition, praying for others helps us see people in a different light.
God compares prayer with sweet smelling incense that pleases Him (Rev. 5:8). Jesus prompts us to pray for others and He also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” [3]
To hear more about interceding for others in prayer, listen here:
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.