1 Samuel 12:23-24
Intersession
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Do you have what it takes to be an intercessor? Are you able to forgo your own prayer requests and lift up others before the throne of God? Praying for others is at the root of Christian belief, as Jesus himself prayed for others. In the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:10-14), Jesus asks God for others' needs- "our daily bread," "forgiveness of our trespasses, and to "deliver us from evil." Note that Jesus looked outside himself and his concerns to see life from others' perspectives and asked God to meet their needs. Openness to others' needs is key to interceding for them.
Praying for others does not just lift up the person prayed for to God. Intercession also reaps benefits to the person praying. Interceding for others can take one's mind off one's own problems, connect one more deeply with the community and world in which one lives, and even open one up more to a sense of God in the world.
Just as smiling and talking to people at a party builds connections and relationships, so does praying for others. When one person prays for others, the person praying is more likely to think of others, take the time to listen to them, and be a part of their lives. Offering others support and encouragement can deepen relationships and give a person a sense of meaning and purpose separate from themselves and their own lives. By saying a prayer for someone else, it can benefit both people.
Prayers of Intercession, reaching out to God on behalf of others, are a simple way to pray for others.
Take a look at our Special Prayer request emailed to you each week and begin your ministry of Intercession.
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