Encouraging Intercession

Encouraging Intercession

Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

It’s a powerful feeling to know that someone is praying for you. I’ve been in so many situations where I’ve had somebody tell me that, or pass me a note, or even yell it out to me from across a mall!

It’s especially reassuring when someone does that for you at a challenging time in your life. I remember several instances when I was with the Colts when our punter Hunter Smith told me that he was specifically praying for me.

One time in particular was during cut day, a loathsome day for me. Every year during training camp we’d have to let go of about twenty players on one day and another ten players on a different day the following week. It was an excruciating decision because the difference between the skills of various players with others was so slight, yet that difference meant some guys would stay and the other guys would have to go. With that their dreams were dashed.

I felt it was only right to meet with every one of those guys individually, in person, on those days and speak with them as the head coach, which made it even tougher. To see the hurt in each guy’s face . . . thirty times over.

That’s why I greatly appreciated that Hunter said he was praying for me on cut day. He knew I hated that day and wanted me to have those extra prayers, plus the encouragement that he knew prayer would bring.

Similarly, at unexpected times, Nathan has gotten handwritten postcards from one of his Tampa pastors, Matthew, each noting that Matthew prayed for Nathan that day. What an unexpected blessing!

It’s a good habit to put into practice. Prayerfully lift up friends, give thanks for the people in your life, and pray for leaders whether you agree with them or not. And take it a step further. Let them know that you prayed or are continuing to pray for them. What an encouragement that may bring.

Uncommon Key > Lift up someone in prayer today and drop them a note or an e-mail to let them know. Over time, make sure you do it for both people you know and people you don’t.