PRAYING FOR OTHERS

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”  (Colossians 1:9-12 ESV)

The prayer of intercession means prayer for others. It is our faint echo of Christ’s everlasting intercession for us before the throne of God. It is love and concern for people lifted to the highest point, as we bring them before the throne of God in prayer. I do not know why God should need our prayers, or why God gives the unspeakable privilege of helping Him in His world; but I am sure God does. I am sure that human intercession adds something to the creative and redemptive energy even of God Himself. I am sure that the people God can most depend on are the pray-ers who lift up other people before Him, and hold them in prayer. 

-- Samuel M. Shoemaker in “We Believe in Prayer”

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PRAYER THAT CARES FOR OTHERS

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”  (1 Timothy 2:1 NLT) 

Many people tend to associate prayer with separation from others, but real prayer brings us closer to our fellow human beings. Prayer is the first and indispensable discipline of compassion precisely because prayer is also the first expression of human solidarity. Why is this so? Because the Spirit who prays in us is the Spirit by whom all human beings are brought together in unity and community. 

-- Henri J.M. Nouwen, as quoted in “Stories of Prayer for a Healthy Soul”

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PRAYER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…”  (Colossians 1:9-10 ESV)

I believe the greatest cry around the world today is “Pray for me.” All of us are here today because someone has prayed for us. I know I am indebted to so many people for their wonderful prayers. Martin Luther said that the shoemaker makes shoes, the tailor makes clothes, and the Christian prays. Prayer can change a person’s life; it can change the world. Prayer is a challenge to me. If I pray for someone, it challenges me to love and to help that person. 

-- James H. Davis, as quoted in “Stories of Prayer for a Healthy Soul”

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