“In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words”—Romans 8:26 (CEV)
Dictionary.com defines intercede; to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition:
Intercessory prayer is when you are praying for someone other than yourself. One way to love others is to pray for them. Bring their needs to God in your prayers, even if you don’t know what they are, He does. Lift them up to Him. This is especially important for those that don’t know the Lord. More than ever, they need someone praying on their behalf. We also have the gift of other believers praying for us when we are unable.
What a comfort it is to know that when I don’t what to pray for someone, that the Holy Spirit can come to my aid and prays through me. When I pray in faith, God hears me. Despite my lack for words, God is listening. I just need to be honest and say, Lord, I don’t know what to pray, but You do.
Last September, I wrote a few posts about a close family friend who was agnostic. I had been praying for him for years to know the Lord. When he was on his deathbed, God gave me the gift to spend the last few days of his life ministering to him in the hospital. I thank God, that this happened in 2019 and not 6 months later. I don’t take for granted the blessing that God gave me to be able to be by his side his last days here. While he may not have accepted Jesus into his heart until the end, I have no doubt God heard my prayers and those of other family and friends that had also been praying for him over the years.
Do you find yourself praying for others frequently? That is a gift. Don’t discount that. Praying for someone is one of the most powerful gifts that you possess. Have you ever had God lay a random person on your heart and you have no idea why? It happens to me frequently. I usually stop and say, Lord, I don’t know what this person needs right now, but You do. I lift them up to You.
Typically, I will follow up with a text, email or message them on social media to let them know they were on my mind or that I felt the need to pray for them. Many times, I get a response confirming they were in need of prayer. Even if I missed the mark, I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity that God has put in my path because I am fearful of what that person might think of me.
When we pray for others, we are showing God’s love and our love for Him. It is another way for us to live and love like Jesus. Our world needs this more now than ever. There is kingdom power when we pray on the behalf of others. Have you ever heard the saying, There is power in prayer? It’s true. Do you believe that? Have you ever experienced it? I know I have. Thank You, Jesus for the prayers of other believers!
Dear Lord,
Open my eyes to who I need to be praying for today. Help me to be more intentional to love and pray for those put in my pathway this week. I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that intercedes on my behalf to pray for others when I am at a loss for words. I lift up those to you whose loved ones don’t know You. Give them strength to continue to pray without ceasing. You love them and desire to have their hearts and Your Word tells us in Romans 8:27 that You are a God , who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will(GNT). It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.
September Memory Verse
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.— Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) We are living in a time when things don’t make sense. Now more than ever I need to be trusting God and seeking Him for direction in all I do.
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