By Jacqui – One of God’s Intercessors
I know you’re busy today. Most people are. But I have a question…
My question today for you, friend, is a simple one. Would you stop and take the time to pray fervently for someone else in need?
I guess, in all fairness, before you can answer that question, perhaps I should ask you an even bigger question. Are you willing to love one another deeply, from the heart (1 Peter 1:22) when that person is not a member of your own household?
Many people love those in their own households, their own families, even their own closest friends. But, what about all the other people in the world? Are you willing to love them, too? Jesus told us to love one another, and yes, I know, that is not always easy.
As an intercessor, I’ve found that it’s much easier to pray for someone if I allow myself to love them as Jesus wants me to. You see, when I feel a Christ like love for someone, I pray more fervently, more sincerely. I lift up their needs in prayer as if they were my own.
Isn’t that what Jesus wanted? This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
So, what if you’re not there yet? Maybe, you want to love others, but you’re struggling to do so. Does that mean you can’t pray for them? I, personally, don’t think so. You see, you can start be acknowledging that Jesus does love them. You can even begin your prayer by saying, “Jesus, I know that you love _______________. So, because you love him, I am lifting up his need of _______________, and asking you to help him.”
Jesus does love you. He loves him, too, and he loves her. There are many hurting people in the world today. You may be one of them. Today, when someone you know comes to mind and you remember they are struggling, would you pray for them?
Chances are their request or even their problem coming to mind won’t come at a convenient time. You may not even be sure what to pray for them. God doesn’t discount your prayer when you stumble for the words. He knows your heart. If you’re sincere about wanting the Lord to help them; if you’re praying for them because you care what happens or you at least know that Jesus cares what happens, God will hear your plea on their behalf.
Yes, you could ask an intercessor, someone who prays often for others, or you could pray for them yourself. If Jesus asked you to be the one to pray, would you?