Prayer Really Does Matter

Lord, does it really matter if I pray for others?

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Pray for all people. Ask me to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

James 5:16; 1 Timothy 2:1

What Bible stories show that prayer makes a difference?

Abraham approached me and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you not spare it for their sakes?” I replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me. Suppose only ten are found there?” And I replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

Genesis 18:23-24, 26, 32

What can I pray when I’m interceding for someone?

Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth, I pray that from your glorious, unlimited resources you will empower me with inner strength through your Spirit. May I have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep your love is. May I experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then I will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from you.

Ephesians 3:14-16, 18-19

Intercession means talking to God on behalf of someone else. We are called to pray earnestly for others, trusting God to produce wonderful results from our faithful prayers. Don’t be discouraged if you think your prayers are ineffective or unimportant. Ask God to give you faith and humility as you pray for others.