Pray for each other.
To intercede in prayer for someone is of profound importance. It is arguably the highest act of love in any relationship. Yet, do we know how to go to God on behalf of others? I believe we really need to get better at this. For example, if I told you in the hall of the church to please pray for so and so, what would your reaction be? My guess is that if I asked ten people to pray for the same individual nine of them would ask, "Why, what's wrong with them?" What they really mean when they say this is, "What physical ailment do they have?" I fear we need to learn much about the practice of intercession.
Today I want to step aside and let one of the classic authors tell it better than I can. Andrew Murray wrote some of the most clearly practical works on prayer that we have in the English language. Indeed, he wrote more than 240 books as a South African pastor and missionary in the 19th century. Here is his understanding of intercession:
"There is value in intercession. It is an indispensable part of prayer. It strengthens our love and faith in what God can do, and it brings blessing and salvation to others. Prayer should be mainly for others, not for ourselves alone. Begin by praying for those near and dear to us, those with whom we live, that we may be of help to them and not a hindrance.
Pray for your friends and all with whom you come into contact. Pray for all Christians, especially for ministers and those in responsible positions.
Pray for those who do not yet know the Lord as their Savior. Make a list of the names of those God has laid upon your heart and pray for their conversion...Pray, too, for all poor and neglected ones. Pray for mission work. Use a mission calendar with daily subjects of prayer.
Do you think this will take too much time? Just think what an inconceivable blessing it is to help others through your prayers. Look to the Holy Spirit for further guidance. If morning is not the best time for you, schedule another time later in the day. Cultivate the attitude: 'I am saved to serve.'"
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