We live in an area predicted to be in the path of Hurricane Helene. I am grateful to say that our area escaped direct damage. Our hearts are heavy with sadness and concern for our neighbors near and far who were impacted by Helene. As we received reports of family, loved ones, and friends after Helene, I was grateful anew for the privilege of intercessory prayer.

As reports of damage sustained from winds and flooding became available, it was tempting to give in to despair; after all, what could I do to help communities facing significant loss? But in those moments, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “ Pray!” I am hundreds of miles away? Pray! I have small resources in comparison to the enormous needs? Pray! My heart aches for those experiencing losses I cannot begin to imagine? Pray!

These last ten days, I have been thinking about a specific quote on prayer. I read it in the anthology Spurgeon on Prayer& Spiritual Warfare (1998) several years ago.

            “Beloved, we must pray. It seems to me that it ought to be the first thing we ever think of doing when in need. If people were right with God and loved Him truly, they would pray as naturally as they breathe. I hope some of us are right with God and do not need to be driven to prayer. I hope prayer has become an instinct for some of us.” Charles Spurgeon

Do those words challenge you as they did me? I hope we are a people who pray as naturally as we breathe. Andrew Murray (1828-1917) is another theologian who challenges me in my Christian walk. I have been re-reading his book titled Standing In The Gap. I want to share some of the encouragement and challenges I received to grow as an intercessor in prayer for others.

• Pray “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). In this passage, Jesus surrendered His will to the Father. Because He was obedient even to death on the cross, we are redeemed by His sacrifice. I sometimes need to be reminded to pray that God’s will (not mine) be done. Intercessory prayer is effective when we trust God’s perfect care for those we pray for.
• Pray Continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Keep an attitude of worshipful availability throughout the day. As you go through the day, be alert for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Is there an image on the television that breaks your heart? Pray! Ask the Lord to intervene. Were you passed by an ambulance with lights flashing and sirens blaring? Pray! Ask the Lord to heal, comfort, and strengthen the one in need. Ask God to give wisdom and discernment to those caring for the patient. Does a specific person or need come to mind in a quiet moment? Pray.
• Pray with others (Acts 1:14). The early church prayed together and saw God work miraculously. I believe that He is pleased when His children join together and pray. I believe that united intercessory prayer is powerful in ways we can not imagine. Pray corporately with other believers.
• Pray with the determination to be obedient. As we pray, we are encouraged and empowered to act. Yes, we must pray faithfully and consistently. We must seek our Father’s face and share our hearts and concerns with Him. But we also must follow as He leads. As we offer intercessory prayer for others, we must also be ready to move in obedience.

I do not know what you are dealing with this week. I don’t know what challenges you have faced or what losses are looming. But I promise you, God knows, you are not forgotten or overlooked. I want to close with a prayer for each of you based on the following scripture:

I kneel before the Father… that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:14, 16).

Lord,

I pray for each of my sisters in Christ. Father, please strengthen and encourage each one. May they experience Your love and care in miraculous ways today. Father, as your daughters, we desire to hear and understand Your promptings to pray. Please grant us discernment. Please let us be attentive to Your voice, hearing You clearly and distinctly, even when the noise and clamor of this world surround us.

Jesus, thank you for interceding for us. Holy Spirit, when words fail us, or we don’t know what to pray, thank you for praying with utterings too deep to be expressed in words. Lord, we trust You. We acknowledge that Your care and plans for us are perfect. May Your will be done, Lord, and may we serve You faithfully. Lord, we choose to be women who joyfully, quickly, and obediently say, ”Yes, Lord!”

In Jesus name, we pray.

Amen