Praying for Others
(Dillon Groves)
Growing up, one of my favorite memories was watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian minister, used his show as a ministry, teaching Christlike kindness and compassion. One of his most famous lessons came from his mother: “Look for the helpers. If you see them, you’ll know there’s hope.” This wisdom reminds us that we are called to be helpers—intercessors standing in the gap for others through prayer.
Today, let’s explore intercessory prayer: what it means, why it’s powerful, and how we can embrace it in our lives.
What Is Intercessory Prayer?
Intercessory prayer is the act of praying for others—pleading with God for a future that reflects His promises. Walter Wink, a theologian, described it beautifully:
“Intercession visualizes an alternative future to the one apparently fated by the momentum of current forces.”
As Romans 8:34 reminds us, Jesus is our ultimate intercessor, sitting at the right hand of God, pleading on our behalf. When we intercede, we join Him in shaping the future through prayer, aligning ourselves with God’s will and inviting Him to move powerfully in the lives of others.
Our Posture in Prayer
Intercessory prayer begins with love. Too often, we pray for someone’s behavior to change rather than for their heart to be transformed. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:3-5, we must address the “logs” in our own lives before focusing on others’ “specks.”
Paul’s instruction to Timothy emphasizes this loving posture:
“Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
When we intercede, we step into others’ shoes, praying as though their challenges were our own. This requires empathy, trust, and a willingness to stand in the gap—even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Power of Intercession
Throughout Scripture, we see the incredible results of intercessory prayer:
Daniel interceded for Israel, prompting God’s swift response through the angel Gabriel.
The early Church prayed fervently for Peter, leading to his miraculous escape from prison.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in faith, trusting God’s power to save them from the fiery furnace—and were delivered.
Even today, stories of intercession reveal its profound impact. Consider the Scotsman James Matheson, whose prayers during the Crimean War were so powerful that soldiers believed they saw him with them in the trenches, bringing peace amidst chaos.
Steps to Grow in Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer calls us to action. Here are practical steps to deepen this practice:
Get Informed:
Learn about the needs of those around you. Ask friends how you can pray for them. Stay informed about global issues and seek specific ways to intercede.Get Inspired:
Ground your prayers in God’s Word. Claim His promises for others, praying Scripture over their lives.Get in the Game:
Allow your heart to break for what breaks God’s heart. Let your prayers be passionate and persistent, fueled by the weight of others’ challenges.Get in Sync:
Join with other believers in prayer. Jesus reminds us of the power of agreement:“If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19)
Faith Amid Unanswered Prayers
Intercession doesn’t guarantee our prayers will be answered exactly as we hope. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must trust God’s faithfulness even if His answers don’t align with our expectations.
Unanswered prayers can be painful, but we find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with “wordless groans” (Romans 8:26) and that Jesus is actively pleading for us.
Becoming a Church Marked by Intercession
To be intercessors is to embody Christ’s love and hope. Let us commit to praying for the people God places on our hearts—lifting up their needs, trusting His plan, and believing in His power to transform lives.
Consider these groups in your prayers:
Leaders and those in authority
Ministers and the Church
Friends and neighbors
The sick and the suffering
Our enemies
All people everywhere
As Richard Foster said:
“The prayer of intercession requires something from us. It requires our heart.”
A Call to Action
Today, let’s take up the mantle of intercessory prayer. Whether through quiet reflection, group prayer, or acts of kindness, let’s stand in the gap for others, trusting that God will move in ways beyond what we can imagine.
Are you carrying a burden for someone? Bring it to the altar. Let us pray with you and for you. Together, we can create a community marked by intercession, filled with God’s love and power.
Amen.