Intercessory Prayer

YouTube: Intercessory Prayer: What is it and How Does it Work?

Intercessory Prayer: A form of prayer where individuals pray on behalf of others, seeking divine intervention by bringing their needs, concerns, and requests before a higher power.

This definition for intercessory prayer is one that is widely accepted and invoked, often on behalf of those whose lives are impacted during a national tragedy. This, I believe, is an empowering service that plays an important role for those on the receiving and giving ends.  

How we view prayer will depend on how we view God. Would a collective prayer encourage God to act, to give attention to a situation that God would otherwise miss? Does collective prayer increase the power of God? A more challenging question is this: Why do some seem to be spared by our prayers while others are not? Finally, does prayer change God, or does it change us?

There are studies that show intercessory prayer does make a difference, but there are also as many studies that show it does not. I think we’re faced with a similar question when we think of Jesus as a healer. Did he possess special healing powers, or was it, as he often suggested, the faith of the person healed that brought the change?

Concerning the question of whether prayer changes God or us, I fall into the prayer changes us side. If I have a problem and I allow my energy to be drained by fear, negative visualization, and the continual rehearsal of negative outcomes, the problem looks and feels bigger than me. However, if I am empowered with faith, know that my soul cannot be defeated regardless, and have no doubt that God is my unfailing source, I see the same problem as very manageable. How we see the problem depends on how we see ourselves.

Never pass on the opportunity to pray for others. God as the creative life force is always in full action. We cannot know what the best and highest outcome is for another. If it is their time to depart, nothing we can do will keep them here. If it is not their time to go, no tragedy is big enough to take them.