Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian walk, sustaining our relationship with Jesus.
Each believer has a unique prayer life, and the depth of our prayers often reflects the closeness of our relationship with Him. It is through prayer that we commune with God, seek His guidance, and align ourselves with His will. Without prayer, our spiritual lives would be weak, lacking the nourishment needed to grow in faith and righteousness.
When we immerse ourselves in sincere, heartfelt prayer, the Holy Spirit not only strengthens our petitions but empowers our entire Christian journey.
The Power of a Consistent Prayer Life
Through earnest and unceasing prayer, we express adoration, confess our sins, offer thanksgiving, and lift up supplications before God.
A consistent prayer life builds spiritual discipline and increases our sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit, helping us to discern His voice amidst the distractions of daily life.
However, when prayer becomes a mere recitation rather than a devoted conversation with God, we may find ourselves focusing solely on personal needs.
If we were to listen to our own prayers, we might notice an overuse of “I,” “me,” “mine,” and “my,” revealing a self-centered pattern. True prayer should extend beyond ourselves, interceding for others and seeking God’s will for the world around us.
Praying for Our Needs
There is nothing wrong with praying for ourselves—the Bible encourages us to care for our well-being just as Christ cares for the Church (Ephesians 5:29).
However, a mature Christian prayer life extends beyond personal needs. True spiritual growth is reflected in intercessory prayer—lifting up others in supplication and thanksgiving before God.
When we pray selflessly, we participate in God’s work, standing in the gap for those who may be struggling or unable to pray for themselves.
While we often assure friends that we will pray for them, we must be sincere in following through. Saying, “I will pray for you” without genuine intent is an empty promise. Not only does it fail our friend, but it also withholds the power of God from moving in their life.
Proverbs 25:11 reminds us that sincere words are like “gold on a silver platter.” Our prayers should be earnest and intentional, spoken with faith and expectation.
When we truly commit to praying for others, we begin to see how God moves in response to those prayers. Testimonies of healing, provision, and restored relationships remind us that intercession is not in vain.
The more we engage in intercessory prayer, the more we strengthen our faith in God’s power and sovereignty.
Intercessors Then and Now
In the Old Testament, Levitical priests served as mediators between God and man, offering sacrifices for sin (Exodus 28:1-3).
Their priesthood was exclusive to the Levites, and they alone were permitted to perform these sacred duties.
Under the New Testament, Jesus is our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). Unlike the Levitical priests, His priesthood is eternal, and He intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became our one true mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the way, the truth, and the life—no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
Because of His sacrifice, believers are now a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).
As followers of Christ, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to intercede for others as He does.
Prayer is no longer limited to a select group of people. Every believer has the privilege and responsibility of intercession. We are called to pray for the needs of our families, friends, communities, and even strangers.
The world is filled with people who need the touch of God in their lives, and our prayers can be the catalyst for change, healing, and salvation.
Who Should We Pray For?
The Apostle Paul urged Timothy to encourage the church in Ephesus to pray for all people, including those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Unfortunately, many believers see intercessory prayer as a task reserved for “prayer warriors.” In reality, every Christian is called to intercede.
Jesus Himself set the example in John 17, where He prayed for His disciples and all believers. Our prayers should extend to everyone—not just friends and family, but also enemies and those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
God does not delight in prayers for destruction; rather, He calls us to pray for the redemption of all people (Luke 9:53-56).
We are also called to pray for our leaders in the community and the church (Romans 13:1). Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that God directs the hearts of those in leadership.
Our prayers for them should be for wisdom and guidance, that they may lead with righteousness and integrity (Luke 6:39). The decisions of leaders affect entire nations, and interceding for them is one way we can influence the course of history.
Why Do We Intercede for Others?
People may have different motives for interceding. Some mistakenly believe they are “helping God” by praying, taking pride in being part of the process when prayers are answered.
However, Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God already has a plan for each person’s life. He does not need our help—He simply calls us to pray out of love and obedience.
Others pray with the expectation of accelerating God’s answers, forgetting that He works in His own time (Isaiah 65:24). We must trust His perfect timing rather than attempting to control His will.
Waiting on God requires faith, and even when answers seem delayed, we must believe that He is working behind the scenes.
We Intercede Because We Care
One of the purest reasons to pray for others is love. Jesus taught that after loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we must love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).
When we genuinely love others, interceding for them becomes as natural as praying for ourselves. Furthermore, when prayers are answered, it brings glory to God (2 Corinthians 1:11). The joy of seeing someone experience God’s grace through answered prayer deepens our own faith.
Does Prayer Change God’s Mind?
A common question arises: Can intercessory prayer change God’s mind?
Scripture tells us that God is unchanging (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). His character and purpose remain constant.
However, while God’s ultimate will does not change, He does respond to the prayers of the righteous (1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16). He allows circumstances to shift according to His divine plan (Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:10), aligning events with His will in ways that we may not fully understand.
Prayer Matters
The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Though we may not always comprehend God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), we trust that He hears and answers according to His wisdom and love. Our role is to remain faithful in interceding for others, believing that prayer truly makes a difference.
If there is one question to leave in our hearts, it is this: Do you love God and obey His command to love your neighbor as yourself? If the answer is yes, then continue praying for others—with love and sincerity!
Prayer is not just a spiritual exercise; it is a divine partnership with God. Through prayer, we align our hearts with His, and as we intercede for others, we witness His power at work in the world.
Let us never underestimate the power of prayer—it can change lives, transform situations, and bring people closer to God.
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Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer: How to Call Heaven to Earth, enlarged edition
By Dr. Myles Munroe
“You’re in our prayers” has become a cliche. Just a nice thing to say when we see someone struggling. But do we really understand the power of prayer?
God, God Almighty, God the Creator of the heavens and the earth, God the Beginning and the End, God the Source of all that is, God the Creator of man-the same God, in all His power and all His majesty, stops and listens when you pray. God has given humanity the ability to bring heaven to earth.
Whether you know it or not, you have the authority to change the world through prayer. When God said, “Let mankind rule over all the earth,” He was arranging the dominion of the world so that the partnership of mankind was essential for the accomplishment of His purposes. Through his unique perspective on this often-misunderstood subject, best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe takes the mystery out of prayer, providing practical answers for difficult questions about communicating with God.
All that God is-and all that God has-may be received through prayer. Everything you need to fulfill your purpose on earth is available to you through prayer. The biblically based, time-tested principles in this book will ignite and transform the way you pray. Be prepared to enter into a new dimension of faith, a deeper revelation of God’s love, and a renewed understanding that your prayers can truly move the hand of God.
This expanded edition includes study questions for individual or small group use.
God bless you for the wonderful work you do. It is an eye opener. We will follow your advise. God bless you.
Hi Yolanda. Thank you for taking time to read the article. I am so grateful that you take it as an eye opener. Our lives will all be better off when we align it with the words of God.
God bless you more!
I had recently heard a sermon series on the Psalms and one of the things the speaker suggested in prayer and in praise songs is to actually praise God first before asking of Him anything. It was presented that this was a better way than just going to God for a wish list because it helps the person who is praying focus on who God is instead of thinking only of himself.
What are your thoughts on this?
Dear Chad,
I totally agree with what you have heard in that particular sermon. Jesus himself taught His disciples to praise God first in prayer (Luke 11:1-4). We have to start our prayer in praise and worship as we acknowledge His goodness in our lives.
Although not explicitly described in the Bible aside from seeking God first and the rest will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33), we pattern our prayers with adoration (putting God first), confession, thanksgiving and supplication (and all these things shall be added unto you).
Having a wish list with us as we come to our Lord in prayer is not wrong at all. However, we should come to Him with the proper motives and with a clean heart in obedience to His commandments. He is an answering God … in His time … in His ways!
God bless us!
Bro. Jess,
I cannot tell you how much this article means to me. You are so right, now that I think about it. I pray often, but you are right, I often say “I,” “me,” “mine” and “my” as you mentioned. “my son”, “my family”. Yes, I pray for people, but as you mentioned for our own. Interestingly enough today my son asked me if I think God is with me. I said yes, well he said it’s doesn’t feel like God is with him, so he is not praying anymore. He is 16, so I had to explain to him, but of course he still didn’t believe me.
Dear Kenisha,
Praise God for touching your heart through this article about prayer. God is likewise working in me, as by His goodness, am being thought to be prayerful not only for myself but for all His people.
I can feel how saddening it is to be told by your son of his feeling abandoned by God. We all sometimes unmindfully feel that way, only to realize that God is working out on our faith. What your son needs is all the love he can get. Make him feel God’s love through you. Continue to pray for him for God loves him too and will never leave nor forsake him (see Joshua 1:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6).
God bless you more!
Thank you so much for reminding me of God blessed us. I am so glad I remember your amazing post here! That’s what exactly I learned from Bible class almost talked about this. However, The Bible says in Malachi 3:6: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” That’s mean He cannot change. God always stays the same. God’s plan never changes. God’s Word never changes. God will never change.
God knows everything. God knows our thoughts now. God knows all we do in the dark. God knows all that will happen tomorrow. We cannot hide a secret from Him. He knows all things. 1 John 3:20 in The Bible said that. Plus, He knew that we planned to pray what we needed.
Of course He loves us as His children when Jesus died for us.
Learned that God is Trinity. [Father is God, Jesus is God, and Holy Spirit is God]
When we have trouble, Jesus is in heaven to help us. While Jesus was on earth He did many miracles to show His power. Jesus can help us with our problems. That’s where we can pray when we need. Also, God has good plans for us more than we thought.
That’s all God has powerful. Amen!
Hi James! Amen to all what was said! Praise God for refreshing all that you have learned in the bible class. Indeed, God never changes and He never needs to change. The God we serve is a perfect God and remains the same yesterday, today and forevermore (see Hebrews 13:8). It is us who needs to change from glory to glory and that is exactly what the Holy Spirit is working on us (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).
God bless you!
I have been brought up in the church and sadly I find it hard to attend anymore. I guess it is because I am an introvert and have a really hard time socializing and getting out there. Don’t get me wrong, I am spiritual, I do believe in God, and I pray. I pray a lot for myself and for others. I know that this is not good enough, but maybe one day I will have someone in my life who can get me going again with them. Until then, I will do my best.
Hello! I am glad to hear about your healthy prayer life. I believe the Holy Spirit has been working into your life that makes you want to pray more!
Although sometimes, we think that we can praise and worship God by ourself, alone, the scriptures encourages us to be in fellowship with one another so we may gain more spiritual strength and encouragement (see Hebrews 10:25).
Faith comes from hearing the word of God and we can do that by being in attendance to where we feed our soul, the church where Jesus is being preached about (see Romans 10:17).
God bless you more in your walk with Jesus!
Hi brother Jess, thank you for this inspiring post. How I wish I can say with all honesty that my prayer life is very healthy. There are still times when I cannot spend as much time as I wish I should with the Lord because of my very busy schedule, which of course is not an excuse. Do you have suggestions or any advice on how Christians could maintain a healthy prayer notwithstanding our busy and hectic day-to-day schedule?
Hi sis Alice. Yes, you’re right. In today’s busy world everyone is so busy rushing on things right from the rising to the setting of the sun. However, one very good rule of thumb which can be wisely followed is when everything is urgent, you have to prioritize. As a Christian, we have to put God first in our lives. In Matthew 6:33, we need to seek the kingdom of God first and everything else will be added.
Having said the above, putting God first, ahead of a busy schedule for the day will be a good suggestion. Pray even before you start your busy day. Self-dicsipline and sincerity will help us maintain a healthy prayer life! God bless!
Big amen to that bro. Jess, and thank you for the reminder to always put God first in our life; to seek Him and spend time with Him before we even start our day. Because most of the time we already know what we should do but the problem is that we lack self-discipline. Thanks again and have a blessed day!
Hi Mei! It’s all about us. Only by getting into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus that we can eventually be able to become unselfish in our prayer life.
I am glad to hear that you have started to change your prayer lifestyle into becoming a matured Christian. Praying for others first as you have been doing is a very good go-by that I am sure many would follow!
Thank you for sharing your personal experience on this. God bless you more!
I have been so bad for, and guilty of the empty “I will pray for you”. I know this, even when I am praying – it’s always about me, and never do I remember nor take the time to pray for those in need of it, or for those whom I said I would specifically pray for.
I feel selfish about it, yet for so long I’ve done nothing to change it. So the past couple weeks, I’ve been trying to be a little more deliberate about my praying. I try to always start with my thanks/praise, and then pray for others, and finish my prayer with my own concerns regarding myself. 🙂
Thank you for this beautifully written reminder about prayer. xo
Hello Mei,
We have all been guilty of praying for our self only especially when we were still baby Christians but I believe that as we continue in Christ and in His Word we will grow and mature. Part of Christian growth and maturity to pray more for the needs of others than for our own. I myself am guilty of this and I can’t really say that I have truly matured in my prayer life even after 16 years of being a believer. I am still striving day after day to be a good follower of Christ so I thank God for articles/messages like these as constant reminders of how I am supposed to live my life in Christ.
God bless you Mei.