Three Powerful Ways to Pray (Part 2)
A small group of us gathered for coffee and I’ll never forget what one of our friends told us. “I need a kidney and pancreas transplant. I want to do both of them at the same time but the wait list is different for each. They’ve told me it is impossible to receive both transplants simultaneously.” I responded, “They may say it’s impossible, but I believe through prayer all things are possible. So there in that little coffee shop four of us held hands and prayed, believing God could provide a double transplant.
About two weeks later my friend called from her car and excitedly said, “Because of your prayer, I thought I’d call you first. I am on my way to the hospital. They have both a kidney and a pancreas for me. The double transplant is happening!” Our intercessory prayers were answered.
We should never underestimate the power of our prayers for others.
Moses understood the concept.
Because of the Israelites discontent, God wanted to wipe his people out numerous times but Moses’ intercessory prayers saved the day. In Numbers 11:1-4, the LORD became angry when he overheard the Israelites complaining about their accommodations. Scripture says God’s fire consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. When Moses prayed for his people, the fire died down.
Another time, God’s chosen ones were unhappy about their dining choices. “There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (Numbers 21:5). Oh yeah, how do you like these venomous snakes? God federal expressed snakes to the camp that bit and killed some of the people. But those who remained, repented. Moses interceded again, prompting God to give the complainers another reprieve.
You may not be praying for the LORD to remove venomous snakes in someone’s life. But you may be praying for a friend or loved one to overcome an addiction.
Reckless behavior.
Sickness.
Financial distress.
Bad decisions.
Disbelief.
What fire is threatening to consume someone you care about?
Never underestimate the potential life changing impact of intercessory prayer. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”
No matter how long it takes, let’s never tire from interceding for others. It may take years to see an answer, but when the reprieve comes, so does inexplicable joy and a sense of satisfaction that our prayers make a difference.