The power of intercessory prayer gives insight into Lord, who wants to work through you to intercede for others. Intercessory prayer is when we pray for other people’s needs and expresses love. God wants us to pray for others because it reflects God’s character of love and mercy.
When we intercede for others, it helps us think beyond ourselves to others. In Revelation 5:8, the Lord compares prayer with the sweet-smelling incense that pleases Him. One of the kindest words we can hear from another person is, “I am praying for you.”
Moses Interceded for the Israelites
The Lord had led the Israelites to spy out the promised land, but ten of the twelve spies returned with a negative report. Numbers 14:11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? 12 I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!” [1]
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Moses successfully interceded for the people of Israel before the Lord. Numbers 14:19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” 20 Then the Lord said, “I will pardon them as you have requested.[2]
How and Whom Should We Pray For?
In several places in the Bible, the Lord gives us instructions to pray for others. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[3]
Here are a few Biblical principles I find helpful when praying for others.
- Pray from the heart as you let the Holy Spirit guide you, giving you insight that only the Lord can provide.
- Pray in love for others. As you pray for that person or persons, remember the Lord loves them, and their needs may not be visible. When we pray for others, something begins to happen to us, and we begin to see people more in the way the Lord sees them. When we pray lovingly, it is love that is unselfish.
- As appropriate, tell others when you are praying for them. A personal visit or an encouragement card conveying your concern and prayers can make a difference in someone else’s life. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He prompts you to pray, send encouragement cards, and pray for people in person. Who is the Lord leading you to pray for today?
To learn about the power of intercessory prayer, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-wandering
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.