As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our faith daily. There are many things that you can do to do that. One of them is to pray. There are many ways you can pray and incorporate prayer into your daily life. But, living a lifestyle of prayer goes beyond just making requests for our own needs and desires. In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul urges “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, flows out of love and concern for others.
We see countless examples throughout the Bible of people praying for others. For instance, in Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God to spare the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah. In Exodus 32, Moses intercedes before the Lord over and over to ask forgiveness and mercy for the Israelites after they had worshipped a golden calf. In the New Testament, Paul repeatedly asks the churches he planted to pray for his ministry efforts to spread the gospel (Romans 15:30-32, Ephesians 6:18-20).
Most of all, Jesus models intercessory prayer, as well. In John 17, He prays not just for His disciples who are with Him currently, but also for all future believers, seeking unity, joy, protection and sanctification for them. And, when He was on cross, a time of immense pain and agony, Jesus interceded for those crucifying Him, saying “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Check out Brett’s devotionals on the importance of Praying for Others here and here.
When we lift up the needs of others before God in prayer, asking for blessing and guidance to be accomplished in their lives, we participate in the very heart of God. We demonstrate care and compassion, just as He and Jesus did throughout history. We cultivate empathy by feeling the burdens others carry. And in persistently praying in this way, the Bible assures us our prayers will be heard. “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” (James 5:16b).
Conclusion
Let’s commit to a lifestyle of regular prayer, selflessly lifting up the needs of others before God. In fact, we are taking time right now to pray daily for our family, friends and Northern Virginia. If you would like to participate, you can text “Awaken” to 703-494-5990. You will receive daily prayer prompts and occasional resources to help. If you don’t want the text prompts but still want to let us know you are in? You can email Awaken to pastor@newlife.church.
