As I mentioned in another blog, I like to read other books and articles on the subject of prayer. It helps me continue to learn and enhances my efforts to maintain and strengthen my prayer life. Below are some thoughts from an article in a periodical I subscribe to called Prayer Connect. It is published by Church Prayer Leaders Network, 2800 Poplar St., Ste. 43L Terre Haute, IN 47803. They also publish several 30 and 40 day devotional booklets and other books on prayer. I highly recommend them.
Intercession—pleading on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ and our neighbors—is a vital part of our Christian life. Bringing the needs of our family and friends to God is an expression of love and understanding in our relationships with one another.
Intercessory prayer identifies us with the image of Jesus in this world. As we pray with passion and purpose for others, we cultivate close, intimate fellowship with Jesus. We bear the image of Christ to the Father when we identify with someone else’s pain and request God’s best and highest good for them. We also reflect the love of Jesus to our hurting world when we care enough to pray for others.
Praying for others is one of the greatest acts of love we can give. Our petitions, when uttered when uttered with sincere love, mirror the love and compassion of our Savior. When we intercede for others, it’s as if we are seated with Christ at the right hand of the Father and participating in His love.
I read a story of a person’s teenage son who frequently failed to take care of his responsibilities. When he tried to justify himself, blaming his negligence on his failing memory, his mother replied, “But you didn’t do anything to help you not forget.”
How many of us need a strategy to help us not forget? We would do well to develop a strategy so we don’t forget to pray for the needs and requests of others.
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