Do you remember when Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32)? Jesus became an intercessor on Simon’s behalf. 

In his book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers said, “Intercession is putting yourself in God’s place; it is having His mind and His perspective. … Our work is to be in such close contact with God that we may have His mind about everything.”

Who intercedes for you? For whom do you intercede? Someone has said, “Praying for others is one of the best ways of loving people.” I agree. When we pray for others, and others pray for us, several things happen: 

• We become interdependent. We develop a sense of responsibility for one another that is awesome in its power. We take our relationships very seriously. 

• We make God’s resources available to others. The liberating, healing power of the Almighty God flows out to those about whom we care. 

• We put the needs and hurts of the other individual into perspective. We understand more clearly the plight of another. 

• We develop a spirit of hope and optimism. When we are lifted or lift another into the hands of God, we feel at peace because we are convinced that God can conquer anything. 

• We sense belonging and significance. To say to another, “I am praying for you,” is the sweetest sound imaginable — especially to a pastor when it comes from a member of his flock. 

• We determine to do all we can to help be an answer to our own prayers. We do all in our power to become “labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9, KJV). 

• We are obedient to the will of God, especially in the area of faithfulness. He desires to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11). 

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

 

©2012 HB London. Originally posted on The Heart of a Pastor Blog, Nov 26, 2012.