Prayer builds our faith and effects change in others’ lives. Jesus is our model for prayer. He separated Himself for times of prayer and intercession. Even now, He intercedes for us in Heaven. 

Romans 8:34b (NIV)

Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

The Greek word for interceding here is entugchano, used to describe bringing a petition before a king on behalf of another person. What an amazing thought—Jesus is petitioning to His Father on our behalf. We should do no less for others. Ask for them, believe for them, and have faith for them. There is someone today who needs your prayers for tomorrow. Take the time to share your faith with them through intercession. 

Prayer is powerful. It changes the climate of a situation. God hears our prayers and answers us. Archbishop and poet, Richard Chenevix Trench, said, “We must not conceive of prayer as an overcoming God’s reluctance, but as a laying hold of His highest willingness.” Years ago, I came across this Scripture about the power of prayer:

Revelation 8:3-5 (NIV)

3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Our prayers are like incense that rises to the Lord. The angel holds those prayers in a censer which he fills with fire from heaven, and then hurls it back to earth! KAPOW! Our prayers combined with God’s holy fire = Holy Spirit power. Don’t dismiss the significance of prayer in your own life as well as the lives of others.

* Taken from my new book LIFE IS SIMPLE IT’S JUST NOT EASY available on Amazon Prime