Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
I find myself thinking about intercessory prayer today. This type of prayer is when we place ourselves in the gap for another person and we plead with God on their behalf through persistent prayer. I have heard many stories of people being brought to Christ this way, through the prayers of others on their behalf.
A previous pastor talked about how his mother prayed for him again and again as he battled addiction. He thanks his mother for the prayers that helped lead him to Christ, recovery, and to sharing the word of God as a pastor. I have heard of others who prayed for their children to return to the church and after much prayer, the day came when they did. I have heard of children being the instrument God used to bring their parents to Christ. I have also heard of wives praying earnestly for their husbands and then they too came to Christ.
These are the stories that keep me praying for others, family, friends, and even strangers I may see on the street. We need to pray and keep praying. Another thing that keeps me going with praying for others is the One who is interceding for me and everyone else up in the heavenly sanctuary.
Jesus also intercedes for others. He is our advocate. He does this for each and every one of us. Jesus wants us all to come home to Him. If Jesus can intercede for everyone one of us here on this sinful world, then we should be able to do the same for those around us.
God wants us to pray for others. Even when it seems like the person is just too far gone, too far away, pray. We many never know in this life how our prayers for another may have a profound impact in their lives and may bring them to Christ. But when Jesus returns, we can rejoice in who we brought there with us!