Intercessory prayer is the act of praying to God on behalf of others.

Jesus Himself intercedes with God on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Following Christ’s example is something we should do daily. Our prayers for others might even save their lives. I know because I’ve seen it happen….

About three o’clock one morning, 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 a.m., to be exact — he had 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, my prayers were answered, and John’s life was spared.

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