According to American theologian R. C. Sproul (1939-2017): “Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is __________ [1].”
What would you put it the blank? A few possibilities include:
- The lives of those we pray for
- The way events unfold
- The attitudes and perspective of those prayed for
- Us—the people doing the praying
Sproul wrote, the most important thing prayer changes is us.
Author and Bible teacher Kay Arthur (1939- ) wrote similarly: “You cannot spend time in prayer, even intercessory prayer [for others], and not have it impact you personally [2].”
Such statements as these beg the question how. How could our prayers for others affect us?
One possibility comes readily to mind. Praying for others and watching miraculous answers unfold strengthens our faith, which contributes to peace of mind and heart.
On the other hand, in those situations when God chooses to postpone his response and yet we continue to pray, the waiting teaches us patience and persistence.
But might there be more ways intercessory prayer impacts us? A bit of research turned up the following. You may be surprised as I was by how many there are.
Intercessory prayer fosters unity in our hearts with those we pray for. We can even find ourselves growing in compassion and affinity for them.
I’ve prayed for Kiana for a number of years now. We’ve never met; I know very little about this young woman in India and yet love for her has bloomed in my heart just the same. I’m looking forward to meeting Kiana in heaven and hearing her story [3].
Intercessory prayer teaches us selflessness as our thoughts are directed away from ourselves and toward others.
Intercessory prayer changes our perspective as we see our desires for a person or situation shift to what God wants to do. We remember: his expansive plan always includes more benefit than we can perceive [4].
We also acknowledge that even times of pain and trouble produce worthwhile results.
Esther Ahn Kim was a Korean Christian who spent six years in a Japanese prison during Word World II as a result of her faith. No doubt many prayed for her release, and yet freedom wasn’t granted. However, at least two guards and many of Esther’s fellow prisoners became believers in Jesus—because of her [5].
Intercessory prayer shifts our attitudes from fear and anger to peace and calm as we affirm the truth of scripture, including:
- Whatever transpires has been allowed by God
- We will never understand all the workings of God this side of heaven
- Even suffering achieves purpose [6]
Intercessory prayer develops humility as we acknowledge our limited ability to impact people or circumstances and affirm only God can affect any change he chooses.
Intercessory prayer augments our usefulness and causes spiritual growth.
When Pastor Hendricks learned that Matt T. had been asked to teach the Sunday School class for junior high boys, his eyebrows went up. Matt was just out of college and still had some growing up to do himself.
But before long, Pastor Hendricks began hearing reports of the once-rowdy boys eagerly participating in the class. He invited Matt to lunch and asked about his secret of success.
Matt showed him a little black book with one page for each boy. On each page were comments like, “Having trouble in math,” “comes to church against his parents’ wishes,” and “wants to be a missionary but doesn’t feel capable.” Matt was praying over the pages every day.
Pastor Hendricks observed: When we pray for others, we become more like Jesus. And as we grow, God shows us more, and uses us more [7].
Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father? Even as we seek to bless others with our prayers, God is also blessing us.
P.S. Please join me in prayer for the suffering people of Israel and the innocents of Gaza. Let’s pray that the perpetrators of evil are thwarted at every turn [8].
[1] The Prayer of the Lord
[2] His Imprint, My Expression, 157.
[3] You can read how I learned about Kiana at https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/12/12/advent-ure/
[4] Ephesians 2:20
[5] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/esther-ahn-kim-steadfast-in-persecution/
[6] Romans 11:33-36; James 1:2-4
[7] https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-prayer-life-of-a-christian-colossians-4
[8] Psalm 125:4-5
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From the Inside Out 