Gift of Prayer

     Romans 8:34 says that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession (praying) for us. 1 John 2:1 says that He is an advocate for us with the Father. "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." ( Romans 8:26-27 NKJV) This is one of the most important truths and promises of the entire Bible. When we pray we do not pray alone, and even when we are not praying, both the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit are praying for us.
    We have the privilege of following their example by praying for others. I believe that while we may pray for any particular person at any time, there are certain people that God wishes us to pray for daily. Currently there are fifteen people whom I intercede for daily. Four of these are for their salvation. Six others are men with whom i am in a relationship of discipleship. What better way to express our love for someone than to commit to pray for them on this regular basis.
    God blessed me with a great aunt whom i saw seldom during my childhood because of geographical distance but who assured me that she had prayed for me every day since my birth. I am convinced that this precious woman prayed me into the Kingdom and i am looking forward to seeing her again in the heavenly realms.
    Oftentimes we do not see immediate results from our intercession. But faith is not what we see. Faith is the "substance  of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." ( Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) And "he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (v.6)
After the disciples asked Jesus about prayer and He responded with the Lord's prayer, ( Luke 11:1-4) He tells a story about a man who goes to his friend at midnight to ask for food to give to guests. The friend refuses initially but because of his persistence gives what is asked. ( Luke 11: 5-8) We need to persist in prayer with God. Prayer is a product of faith.