Key verse: Nehemiah 1:4: “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven,”(NIV).

Intercessory prayer is a powerful form of prayer where believers petition God on behalf of others, seeking His intervention and blessings for their needs. It is about actively partnering with God to bring His will to fruition in the lives of others, moving beyond personal concerns to a place of genuine love and concern for the well-being of others.

Intercessory prayer is a powerful expression of faith, allowing brethren to stand in the gap for one another in times of need. When we move from petition to intercession, we are shifting our centre of gravity from our own needs to the needs and concerns of others,” (Richard Foster: Prayer p.204). Intercessory prayer is prayer for the needs of others;it is an unselfish expression of love. Why does God want us to pray for others? This is because intercessory prayer reflects God’s own character of outgoing love and mercy. God wants us to think like He does, and praying for others would enable us to think beyond ourselves and to grow in compassion for others.

The Bible instructs us to pray for others in several places in the Bible. Apostle James urged us to “pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Apostle Paul encourages us to intercede (pray) for the Christian community (Ephesians 6:18-20). Paul said: “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence,” (1Timothy 2:1-2).

So, we are even to pray for government leaders and others who may not know we exist and who have not asked us to pray for them. Jesus Christ even commanded: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus’ example of intercessory prayer is worthy of emulation. Amid His greatest trial, Jesus prayed fervently. What would you have prayed about when facing torture and death? It is fascinating to see what was on Jesus’ mind as He prayed, not only for Himself, but also for His disciples and for us (John 17:16-19).

For effective intercessory prayer, we must do it in a way that pleases God. There are biblical principles for effective intercessory prayer. We should pray for others from the heart, with deep feeling and sincerity. We should pray for others regularly. In what is often called the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread,” (Matthew 6:11). Pray for others in detail.

The Bible compares our prayers to incense, and God loves prayers that are like “sweet incense beaten fine,” (Leviticus 16:12). Detailed, thoughtful prayers are more pleasing than rushed, summary prayers to “bless everybody.” Pray for others in faith and we should also pray for others in love. Godly love is totally unselfish and is the essence of God’s character. Pray for others fervently—with intensity, zeal and passion.

James 5:16 says, “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Pray for others occasionally with fasting. When a situation is very serious or hits close to home for you, you may decide to fast and pray to draw close to God to present your supplication to Him. Intercessory prayer is an act of love, obedience, and partnership with God. It’s a way to align our hearts with His, as we seek His will and His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

• Today’s nugget: Intercessory prayer is an act of love. Prayer: Lord align my heart with your kingdom purpose. Prayer lines: 08033299824.E-mail: [email protected]. Abel Ukachi Amadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria