The Power Of Intercessory Prayer

From: The Upper Room Devotional

Colossians 1:9 "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you."

I was late for a church service project that I was in charge of. Even worse, I had just learned that we might lose thousands of dollars on the sale of our house. These and other "crises" had sent me over the edge, and my mind jumped from one possible disastrous outcome to another. "How can so much go wrong in such a short time?" I raged aloud as I pounded the steering wheel with my fist.

Suddenly, peace descended upon me, and my frantic thoughts instantly faded. I felt as if someone had draped a warm blanket over my shoulders. Immediately I called my wife and said, "You've been praying for me, haven't you?" "Yes," she replied. "Debbie and I were praying together for you on the phone. I just hung up."

This dramatic experience reminded me of the power of intercessory prayer and our Christian duty to pray for others. When I think of the many people I encounter each day, I pray not only that they be relieved of their trials but that they receive help and comfort and draw nearer to God through their trials.

My wife's prayer for me did not make the troubles go away, but the peace of God that came over me helped me get through them and drew me nearer to my Lord.

Father, remind us to pray constantly for those who are in the midst of worries and trials. Amen.