God has given us a glorious powerful ministry—the ministry of praying for others. The church is calling you to pray not only for yourself and your own needs but also for others and their needs. Enlarge your prayer to include your pastors, neighbours, the work of Jesus Christ in other parts of our city, country and other lands.
There was an incident in Abraham’s life, which illustrates the power of prayer on behalf of others. Gen. 18:22–33 records this incident where three men visited Abraham. They were actually angels sent by God to reveal a secret to Abraham. Through them, God told Abraham that He was going to wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah. When Abraham heard this, he was troubled because his nephew, Lot, lived in Sodom. So, Abraham petitioned God, "Please, Lord, don’t do it."
Abraham pleaded with God for the sake of 50 righteous men, then 45 and so on. Each time God agreed to spare the city. But Abraham could not even find 10 righteous men. In the end, only Lot and his daughters were saved.
This incident illustrates to me the power of intercession. Like Abraham, you could be the key to the well-being of your pastor, your church or the salvation of some people you know. Pray. Be willing to stand before the Lord for them.
Achieving Effective Prayers
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man in powerful and effective." (James 5:16)
Effective prayers can be gained through confession, seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged and repenting from our sins, including sins committed against our bodies. What does the Bible say about confession and prayer?
Firstly, there must be agreement according to Matthew 18:19. Confession brings unity; it removes the barrier between God and us, between our neighbour and us, and between our conscience and us.
Secondly, husbands must respect their wives the way God respects her, else their prayers will be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands, if you do not have respect for your wives the way God has for her, there will be disunity in your home. And when you kneel to pray, "Oh God, bless or change…", your wife may be praying on the other side and praying the opposite of your request. So there is a conflict in the petitions made to God and thus your prayers are hindered.
Thirdly, there must be reconciliation (Matt. 5:23–24). Do you wonder why sometimes there is no breakthrough in your prayers and victory in your life? The Bible teaches that healing, deliverance and blessings come through reconciliation.
Fourthly, there must be forgiveness (Matt. 6:15). In order to be forgiven, we must forgive others.
There is tremendous power in your prayer for another when you have made things right in your heart with God, with your neighbour and with yourself. |
