Why we need to pray for others

In my previous blog I shared about bearing each other’s burden through praying for them. Today however, I want us to see some of the reasons why we should intercede for others. I have been reading great books. There is one that I read recently which taught me a lot about spiritual warfare. This book (The VERITAS Conflict by Shaunti Feldhahn) talks about a lady who had so much accomplished in her life due to many prayers that her parents and others had made concerning her. It is a great book which I recommend for all of you.

Besides that, God has been speaking to me so much about prayer of late through his word and many other forms and people. These are some of the reasons he has taught me as to why we need to intercede for others:

• ·         To provide a spiritual covering for them against the enemy.

The bible says in 1Peter 5:8 that devil is roaming around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He always uses temptations and trials that are always around us with the aim of causing us to fall. A person may be facing such a situation and the devil is always so eager to see the person give in to the temptation and fall. That person could be me, you and or your friend or family member somewhere. However, that person may not be able to sense it in the spirit because of one reason or another. They could also be in a situation that they are not able to pray. Unless we pray for them, they will be found without cover and they will fall.

• ·         They could be struggling or may be unable to pray.

Last time I shared about how I had been going through so much for almost a month. Because of that, I was not able to pray. My girlfriends however were standing in the gap for me even though I did not know it. This kept me from falling and also made me remain at peace despite what I had been going through. So many of us go through such situations where we are not able to pray. It can be so difficult if no one is there for us. I remember in Acts 12:5-7 how Peter was set free from prison by an angel because the apostles had been praying for him. Your prayers concerning somebody have the same of even greater effect on them.

• ·         We would also want others to pray for us

We all desire good to be done to us; don’t you think the same is good for others? I was hurting; I needed someone to pray for me to keep me safe. They did that for me and it worked. I think it is also good if I pray for them in all occasions because they could also be going through difficult moments.

• ·         To follow the example of Jesus.

In the book of Romans 8:34, the Bible tells us that Jesus is seated on the right hand of God interceding for us. Furthermore, in Luke22:31-32, we see Jesus telling Peter that he had interceded for him to protect him from the devil. We see clearly that Jesus himself who was Lord praying for Peter and us. This is shows us important it is to pray for others. Jesus’ prayer for Peter prevented his faith from failing and made him to be a source of strength and encouragement to other believers. Furthermore, the church was first founded from the message he gave in Acts 2. Let us follow the example of Jesus who is our master and keep praying for each other, you may never realize how much impact your prayers will have on others.

God bless you.