A Prayer at 3:00 AM

by Pastor Ken

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Intercession or intercessory prayer is the act of praying to God on behalf of others. It is something we should be doing daily. Our prayers on the behalf of others might even save their life. I know because I’ve seen it happen…

It was about three AM. I woke with the urgent feeling I needed to pray for a friend and church member named John. Knowing in my heart that this was the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I quickly started praying God’s protection over my friend in whatever circumstances he was in.

The next morning John called me saying, “I am thankful to be alive.”

When I asked why, he told me that in the wee hours of the morning—three am, to be exact—he’d been robbed at knifepoint. “That man was set to kill me,” John said, but suddenly he stopped, turned, and ran away.

Why I was prompted to pray on John’s behalf, I don’t know, but what I do know is that I did, and my prayers were answered.

Today, God wants you to pray for others. He wants you to think beyond yourself so that you will grow in compassion and love for others.

Prayer: God, help me to pray for others as Jesus does for me (Romans 8:34).