“Knowing that whatsoever good
thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he
be bond or free.”—Ephesians 6:8
There are many scriptures that encourage us to pray for others;
however, I think one of the greatest is found in John 17 which records the
great prayer that Jesus prayed for all those who would believe in Him through
the words of His disciples. Every time I
read this prayer I am awed and amazed at what an impact that this has made on
my personal life and all those who believe on the Name of Jesus. Did you know that Jesus prayed this prayer
just before He was crucified? His prayer
sowed in faith reaped eternal rewards, and so will ours.
Scripture tells us that Job suffered many trials and afflictions; but,
it was not until he prayed for his friends that he experienced a turn-around in
his circumstances and his future was better than his past, “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his
friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as
much as he had before” (Job 42:10).
We are instructed to pray for all people, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Even when we do not know how to pray for
others, we can because of the help of the Holy Spirit, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we
ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for
words. And he who searches hearts know
what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints
according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26,27).
Sowing
prayers for others, especially during your own times of difficulties and trials,
will reap a harvest of answers to your own needs. Give someone the seed of
prayer today and watch what God will do for you!
Father—I
pray for____________________today.
Father will you please move powerfully on ________behalf? I ask that You meet their needs and that You
will keep them safe and protected. Lord,
I ask that they would experience a fresh touch of Your presence in their life,
a fresh revelation, and complete peace.
Lord, I ask that Your peace would be present in each decision that they
make today and that Your wisdom and understanding would guide and keep them
today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
