Intercession in our last hour may not be on our hearts until the Holy Spirit prompts us. I remember an older lady in our church who, in the latter part of her life, could not get out due to health reasons. Because of this, she transitioned into being a full-time prayer warrior. Her prayers brought hope to others. There was no time to complain about her health; she was too busy building the Kingdom of God through her prayers. She was thankful and encouraging when I visited her. God still had grand plans for her in her old age, and she was making a difference in the lives of others.
I learned a powerful lesson from this lady. No matter my circumstances, the Lord can use me to make a difference in the lives of others. The power of prayer brings great hope to others. Think about your prayers of intersession and how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Stephen Interceded for Others
As Stephen was being stoned, his concern was not for himself but for those persecuting him. Acts 7:59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. [1]
Stephen knew the power of prayer and stood in the gap for those killing him. He wasn’t going to change their minds, but God could. Stephen knew the power of prayer. James 5:16 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [2]
Why is Prayer so Powerful?
Prayer helps you to focus on God. It enables you to get to know Him better. Psalm 105:4 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.[3] When you pray, you “unplug” your mind from distractions and “plug in” to God.
Prayer is intimacy with God. When you pray, you discover what it means to be intimate with God. Exodus 33:11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.[4] That is what happens in prayer. You become friends with God. He becomes a deep, intimate, personal friend who loves you unconditionally.
Prayer is a vital weapon in making the right choices. If you want to stop lying, pray. Praying will add God’s power to your desire. If you want to be more loving toward your brother, pray. It will add God’s help to your good intentions. If you need more patience, compassion, or self-control, pray. Prayer will add God’s energy to your efforts.
When we pray, God takes action! So, pray. Pray for yourself, your family, and your friends. And watch God work. [5]
To learn more about intercession in our last hour, listen here:
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://www.josh.org/daily-devo/the-power-of-prayer-3/?mwm_id=241874010218&mot=J79GNF&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvIT5BRCqARIsAAwwD-SrK7gAkj4CYdHy4c0edA-CcpB7ruAXdIREGSM77TKOVCk_YtTyhfQaAv_WEALw_wcB