05/06/2021
When we are not praying for one another it is a great loss. So much is gained through the prayers we aim at our own needs, and relationship with God, but when we pray for others it is an act of love that extends the power of our prayer life beyond ourselves, and into the world. Prayer for others is a spiritual missionary event that takes us abroad, beyond our borders, and into the heart, soul, and lives of others. Intercessory prayer is an act that fulfills a great commandment... loving our neighbor.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16 ESV
We dwell on this particular scripture as it relates to healing, but, although it does instruct us to pray for one another’s healing it further highlights the power of our prayers when they are offered for others. Look again at the prior verse in which this same prayer asks that sin be forgiven...
“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
James 5:15 ESV
Jesus prays for us. What a mighty and powerful advocate we have before God, and his prayers extend to cover every aspect of our lives, and spiritual journey. Listen to this amazing verse...
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 ESV
Paul also prays for others, such as the churches, and we see this recorded time and time again. Listen to this verse as he prays for the churches of Galatia...
“Paul, an apostle— not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Galatians 1:1-3 ESV
and we too are instructed to pray for all people, especially our kings, so that God will move in their lives, and they will be saved to lead Godly lives, and in this way we all will thrive as Godly people...
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV
Our prayers, just like our lives, are inseparably interwoven. The sins we commit are not limited in their scope to ourselves alone, no, they have consequences for our families, friends, and all those around us... just as our prayers do. Have we ever stopped to consider that the impact of our sinfulness, and righteousness, extend far and wide, even into heaven, and to the very throne of God Himself? In this verse Jesus tells us as much...
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.””
Luke 15:10 ESV
So in the same way that our sin ripples out, so our prayers are far reaching as well! We are not just meant to pray for the salvation of others, but lovingly, and fervently, for every aspect of their lives. I have often heard the saying that “No prayer is more powerful than a mother’s prayer for her child”, and there is a lot of truth in this saying. Listen to the emotion in the words of Hannah as she prays regarding her son Samuel...
“And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.”
1 Samuel 1:26-28 ESV
We are meant to pray for others with emotion, and sincere love for them, in the same way that Hannah prayed for Samuel. Do we think that Jesus lifts us up in prayer without love in His voice? No. Do we think that while dying on the cross He simply said “oh yeah, and by the way, forgive them for their sins”... absolutely not! It would be inconceivable for us to imagine Him praying this prayer other than with all His heart. So how do we pray for others? Do we give those prayers our proper attention? Do we lift each other up with the same intensity, and just as fervently, as we do our own concerns?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for allowing us to reach out to you in prayer. Thank you for being able to bring our needs, suffering, and concerns, before you, but thank you also Lord for allowing us to pray for others, just as Jesus and your Holy Spirit pray for us. Thank you for giving us words to pray those around us as the longings of their souls overcome them, or they otherwise find themselves speechless. Thank you for every prayer that is prayed on our behalf Father, and allow us to feel the weight of the love that carries them as they are offered to you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who opens up countless avenues to you through our prayers. Praised be your name for your Son Jesus Christ, and the very prayer He is offering at this moment for me. Hear this my prayer as I pray for the wellbeing, faith, and righteousness of my family, friends, neighbors, rulers, enemies, and all those who are physically sick, or have yet to know you. Hear me all the day long Father, and honor every prayer as I offer it in the name of Jesus. Wash us clean in the blood of Jesus, and let not one of us be lost for the lack of another’s loving prayer. Find us cast in the image of your Son Jesus Christ as we stand before you in judgement, and let all of heaven rejoice as you seat each of us at your table forevermore. In this way you are glorified... now, and for all eternity!
Rich Forbes