I would not be alive today without intercessory prayers on my behalf. I still rely very strongly on the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is hard to describe how it feels when you know someone is praying for you. If you have ever felt it, you know what I mean. I heard a song the other day that I hadn’t heard before. It reminded me of the importance of intercessory prayers. The lyrics were so strong I listened to Connie Hopper singing it three times. “The stories of old from the Bible Mama told; each day she spoke of God, her friend. She told me of His love and His home above. Sometimes I wished those stories would end. But later one night as she turned out the light in the darkness where no one could see; I heard a new sound, Mama turned it around and she was telling God about me. Mama was praying for me; talking to God about me. With tears on her face, she’s pleading my case; Mama was praying for me.”
In this time of trials and troubles, our prayers naturally turn to our own difficulties. There is nothing wrong with that; God wants us to lay our troubles in His hands and trust in Him for relief. (Philippians 4:6) However, it is only when we turn things around and concentrate on the storms others around us are going through and pray for them, that we clearly see all of the blessings in our life for which we should be giving thanks to God. Our gratitude and our empathy and love for others will provide us with joy even in the darkest storms we go through. “Go through” is the key phrase. The storm you are in right now is not your final destination. As Christians, we can see a light of hope shining at the end of even the darkest tunnel in which we find ourselves.
We all know someone who is a prayer warrior. My church, Christian Life Center, has formed a prayer team made up of such Christians. Every time a prayer request comes in to our pastor, it is shared with the team for prayer. I’m not sure I belong in such an illustrious group, but I love to pray for the needs of others; their trials make my own seem minor. The most gratifying part of being in such a group is when we receive a praise report of answered prayer. It is so wonderful to offer thanks to God for hearing and answering our prayer.
Make a habit of including the needs of others when you pray. You might even start a prayer list, if you haven’t already; listing each person you know who is going through a rough time. Pray specific prayers for each of their needs just like you do for your own needs. Unlike the prayer of a small child, you don’t have to ask God to bless and protect everyone by name including the dog. God knows your family and friends. Yes, God also knows your needs and the needs of those you do single out, but He is a loving Father who loves it when we come to Him with problems and ask for His help. You don’t need eloquence or fancy words; just approach Him with your full attention, your whole heart, soul and mind. He wants us to pray like we worship Him, in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23) Don’t forget to take time when you finish praying to silently listen with your heart for His response. It is through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that this direct two way communication with our heavenly Father is possible. What a blessed privilege it is!