I have to start out by stating that I did not write the message which follows. I comes from Jerry Stratton and the original can be found on his blog God’s Daily Word. Jerry retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service and is now a Baptist Minister. I have followed his blog for many years and find his insights to be a special blessing.

Prayer holds a special place in the life of every Christian. Some of us are more gifted in prayer than others but the power of prayer is not in the one praying but in God who hears all our prayers. I hope you enjoy this special look at prayer and encourage you to pray unceasingly for all you come in contact with.

“Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV).

The story is told of a young girl who said, “Lord, I am not going to pray for myself today; I am going to pray for others.” But at the end of her prayer she added, “And please give my mother a handsome son-in-law!”

We just can’t seem to end a prayer without asking something for ourselves. However, when we become disciplined enough to pray for others, we become partners with God in His work of salvation, healing, comfort, and justice. Of course, God can accomplish those things without us, but in His plan we are given the privilege of being involved with Him through prayer.

When we intercede for someone in trouble, facing surgery, who needs Christ, has lost a loved one, or a pastor who needs strength, we are asking God to provide for that person what we cannot give ourselves. We are interceding for God to direct His power in a specific direction.

Prayer is not a magic wand for satisfying our own desires and wishes, but it’s a God-given opportunity to work with our Lord in accomplishing His purposes. “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14 NIV). You may not feel like praying for others because you are so in need of prayer yourself. However, there is a basic truth about God’s kingdom; we find healing for ourselves by ministering on behalf of others.

Many of us go to church looking for healing that will make us whole and make us more effective ministers for our Lord. But Jesus wants us to get out there, with all of our own needs, and minister to others. When we do this, it’s amazing how we will find the needed healing and strength which we’re seeking! Fervent intercessory prayer for others, that comes from a pure heart, will result in God doing mighty things in the lives of both the intercessor and the one for whom he/she is interceding. Have a great day as you focus on the power of prayer!

Love, Jerry & Dotse
from God’s Daily Word