“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:11I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (1 Timothy 2:1)).
There are many things from the Bible that I have known in theory but it has taken a lifetime of experience and living to learn the practical truth of. One of those things is the power of prayer, and particularly the power of intercessory prayer. In my recent affliction I have learned the power of interceding for one another at the “Throne of Grace” (Hebrews 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)).
When we are in physical pain, under great duress, confusion of mind due to medication, or mental turmoil, we cannot always pray intelligently. Nor can we always form proper thoughts, even concerning our own needs and situation. However, in my recent experience my comfort has been that I knew there were many family members, friends, and fellow-believers interceding on my behalf. I felt the power of those prayers in a way I had never known before.
I have come to the realization that praying for one another is important, yea, a vital element of Christian activity and experience. No wonder Paul said on more than one occasion “Pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:2525Brethren, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25)). He knew the power of intercessory prayer, and desired and felt the need of the prayers of his brethren.
There was a man in the early church at Colosse who understood the power of intercessory prayer and put it to good use. Of him we read, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4:1212Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)). I suggest that he not only had a prayerful interest in fellow-believers in his home city of Colosse, but also those he knew of in nearby cities as well, i.e. Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Don’t ever think that praying for one another is a waste of time or ineffective. As different ones are brought to mind during the day, bring their names before the Lord in prayer. It may be ever so brief a mention, but it will have weighty and eternal consequences. The wonderful thing is that we don’t need to be in any special place or in any special position to pray for one another.
I also valued those who took time to stop at my bedside and in my home to have a short word of prayer. It was a great comfort, and something I will cherish for a long time to come.
Thus I have been enlarged as to my understanding of the privilege and power of intercessory prayer.
Prayer is a powerful tool indeed,
Expressing to the Lord each need;
It brings us to the Throne above,
Where each is known in grace and love:
There we can freely intercede,
And for our brethren safely plead.
May the Lord enlarge our hearts more and more to the privilege of praying for one another name by name and need by need.