“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;” – 2 Timothy 1:3
Imagine what it would be like if someone on the president’s staff spoke to him every day on your behalf, and he listened intently to what they had to say about you. Imagine if the president looked forward to hearing about you, and when this staff person shared your thoughts and concerns to the president, he responded to your specific needs and requests! That would be so amazing, wouldn’t it?
Did you know when you pray to God for others, you become that staff person? You are bringing the needs of others before the One who wants to hear and address those concerns. You are an interceder! If you are a Christian, God has given you a very special responsibility. You are a prayer warrior! And God wants to hear what you have to say!
The Bible tells us that we are called to pray for others! James 5:16 reminds us to “…pray one for another…” as does Ephesians 6:18, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” When we intercede for others, we are asking God to work in those people’s lives, and He will work according to His will. What a privilege to be used of God as a prayer warrior!
To know that someone is praying on my behalf is such a comfort to me! Sometimes things happen in my life when I find it difficult to pray, but God still moves in miraculous ways for me. It is in those times I know in my heart that someone has interceded for me, and I am so grateful. To know that someone loves me enough to take time to pray for me is humbling and overwhelming, and so very much treasured in my heart. Rarely do I ever know who it is, but I know somewhere there is a faithful prayer warrior lifting my name up to the Lord, and God has answered! What a cherished blessing!
Becoming a prayer warrior is not difficult. Here are a few for whom you can pray today!
- Pray for your church – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” (Colossians 1:9)
- Pray for the lost – “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1)
- Pray for those that stand against you – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44)
- Pray for Christians struggling in their faith – “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death…” (1 John 5:16)
- Pray for those who need healing – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
- Pray for Israel – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6)
- Pray for those who ask for prayer – “Brethren, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25)
- Pray for missionaries – “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:38)
- Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ – “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,” (Colossians 1:3)
It only takes a moment to pray, and when you do, you touch the heart of God for someone else. And just think, at the same time, someone may be praying for you!
When the day is dark and lonely, don’t forget to pray;
Prayer will make your pathway brighter, drive the clouds away.
For your tender heav’nly Father listens when you call,
And in loving wisdom answers, trust Him for it all.
When the sun is brightly shining on your pilgrim way,
Let the Savior share your gladness, don’t forget to pray.
For He longs to walk beside you, your most trusted friend,
And abide thro’ storm and sunshine to your journey’s end.
Breathe out all your joys and sorrows in His listening ear;
Is your way a maze before you? He will make it clear.
Walking thus, and talking with Him in communion blest,
“In the secret of His presence,” He will give you rest.
(from “Don’t Forget to Pray” by Miriam E. Arnold)
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that. It is a spiritual transaction with the creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Charles Spurgeon