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I was part of a group that, for many years, came together on Thursday night, by telephone, to pray. I am also part of a group that comes together every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. At the church I pastor we pray every Sunday before worship. Plus, I participate in a prayer panel for LIFE Ministries, a Los Angeles based ministry. We pray for each other, for the Church worldwide, for our individual congregations, for marriages and relationships, for the nation, for the youth, and any special prayer requests from the members of the group for their friends, family, acquaintances, or just someone they met that day.
Over the years we’ve seen many prayers answered. We’ve seen tremendous growth in each other. Some of us were reluctant to pray publicly. That has changed. We’ had and people who were and are very even terminally ill join us week after week with praise reports and heartfelt prayers. They have been a real source of encouragement. It was not our intent, nor did we realize that we were becoming intercessors. We've learned that amazing things do happen when we pray for others.
Over the years we’ve seen many prayers answered. We’ve seen tremendous growth in each other. Some of us were reluctant to pray publicly. That has changed. We’ had and people who were and are very even terminally ill join us week after week with praise reports and heartfelt prayers. They have been a real source of encouragement. It was not our intent, nor did we realize that we were becoming intercessors. We've learned that amazing things do happen when we pray for others.
Here are eight amazing things that happen when we pray for others:
1. We Partner with God in His Work
Prayer isn't just asking for things; it's actively participating in God's plan for the world and the lives of those we pray for. Whether we know their specific needs or not, our prayers align us with God's purposes.When we pray for all people, especially those in authority, it is a powerful way to unleash God's will.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV [1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
2. We Follow Jesus' Example
Jesus modeled a life of prayer. From the beginning of his ministry to his final moments, he consistently communicated with his Father. He prayed during times of temptation, for strength, and taught his disciples how to pray.
Luke 11:2-4 NIV [2] He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ”
By interceding for others, we follow Jesus' example and draw closer to God. Scripture tells us that we are to bring all our requests to God through prayer and petition.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. We Share in Others' Burdens
Galatians 6:2-3 NIV [2] Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [3] If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Intercessory prayer allows us to do just that. It cultivates humility and shifts our focus from our own problems to the needs of others. Ironically, as we share their burdens through prayer, our own often feel lighter.
4. We Join the Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Prayer is our primary tool in this ministry. When we pray for others, we are actively participating in God's work of salvation, opening their hearts to the Gospel.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5. We Deepen Our Trust in God
Intercessory prayer requires us to relinquish control and trust in God's power to act. We acknowledge our limitations and depend on God's ability to answer. This act of faith strengthens our relationship with Him and builds our trust.
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV [7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
6. We Ourselves Are Transformed
As we pray for others, God also works within us. Prayer is not just about changing external circumstances; it's about transforming our inner being. It aligns our hearts with God's will and cultivates compassion, love, and humility.
Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
7. We Glorify God
When we pray for others, we acknowledge God as the source of all power and blessing. Our faith in His ability to answer brings Him glory. When He answers our prayers, we have even more reason to praise Him for His faithfulness.
John 14:12-14 NIV [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
8. God Hears and Answers
God hears our prayers when we ask according to His will. While the answer may not always be what we expect or come when we expect it, we can trust that God is listening and acting. Our prayers are powerful tools, and God uses them to accomplish His purposes.
1 John 5:14-15 NIV [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Intercessory prayer is a continuous opportunity to partner with God, experience personal transformation, and witness His power at work in the lives of others. Prayer is not a duty but a privilege deepening our connection with God.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1. We Partner with God in His Work
Prayer isn't just asking for things; it's actively participating in God's plan for the world and the lives of those we pray for. Whether we know their specific needs or not, our prayers align us with God's purposes.When we pray for all people, especially those in authority, it is a powerful way to unleash God's will.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV [1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
2. We Follow Jesus' Example
Jesus modeled a life of prayer. From the beginning of his ministry to his final moments, he consistently communicated with his Father. He prayed during times of temptation, for strength, and taught his disciples how to pray.
Luke 11:2-4 NIV [2] He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ”
By interceding for others, we follow Jesus' example and draw closer to God. Scripture tells us that we are to bring all our requests to God through prayer and petition.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. We Share in Others' Burdens
Galatians 6:2-3 NIV [2] Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [3] If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Intercessory prayer allows us to do just that. It cultivates humility and shifts our focus from our own problems to the needs of others. Ironically, as we share their burdens through prayer, our own often feel lighter.
4. We Join the Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Prayer is our primary tool in this ministry. When we pray for others, we are actively participating in God's work of salvation, opening their hearts to the Gospel.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5. We Deepen Our Trust in God
Intercessory prayer requires us to relinquish control and trust in God's power to act. We acknowledge our limitations and depend on God's ability to answer. This act of faith strengthens our relationship with Him and builds our trust.
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV [7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
6. We Ourselves Are Transformed
As we pray for others, God also works within us. Prayer is not just about changing external circumstances; it's about transforming our inner being. It aligns our hearts with God's will and cultivates compassion, love, and humility.
Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
7. We Glorify God
When we pray for others, we acknowledge God as the source of all power and blessing. Our faith in His ability to answer brings Him glory. When He answers our prayers, we have even more reason to praise Him for His faithfulness.
John 14:12-14 NIV [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
8. God Hears and Answers
God hears our prayers when we ask according to His will. While the answer may not always be what we expect or come when we expect it, we can trust that God is listening and acting. Our prayers are powerful tools, and God uses them to accomplish His purposes.
1 John 5:14-15 NIV [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Intercessory prayer is a continuous opportunity to partner with God, experience personal transformation, and witness His power at work in the lives of others. Prayer is not a duty but a privilege deepening our connection with God.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
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