Question 1

How does prayer make a difference when I pray for others?

Accepted Answer

2 Corinthians 1:11You are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.Paul was convinced that the prayers of the Corinthian believers were vitally connected to his deliverance by God.Acts 12:5While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.Even as the believers were holding an all-night prayer meeting for Peter, God sent an angel to rescue Peter from prison.Genesis 18:32Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”Abraham interceded effectively for an entire city.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

3 John 1:2I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.We can pray for a person’s everyday practical needs and well-being.1 Samuel 1:17“May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”We can pray that God will satisfy the deepest longings of a person’s heart.Romans 15:31Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God.We can pray for a person to be rescued from those who wish them harm and for strength and guidance in a crisis.Acts 8:24“Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!”We can pray for a person’s salvation.Ephesians 3:14-16When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.We can pray for a person’s spiritual growth and strength.Colossians 4:3-4Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.We can pray not only that God might change a person’s circumstances but also that God will enable that person to serve him effectively even if the circumstances do not change.

Intercession