Our intercessions

Being organised

When we say our evening prayers, therefore, we should pray to God for our relations and friends and ask him to bless them.  We should also remember those who are ill, or homeless or hungry.  In order to do this properly and not to miss out anyone whom we ought to pray for, it is a good idea to write out a list for each day of the week.  We shall put some people down to pray for every day, others perhaps only once a week.  Remember also to pray for the Church, both here and overseas.  And don’t forget to write down the names of your relations who may have died, and ask God to give them refreshment, light and peace.

If we hear news of some disaster on the radio or see it on the television – perhaps an earthquake or famine – we can silently on the spot ask God to help the people who are suffering.

For prayer for other people, or intercession as it is also known, is one of the surest ways in which we can really help them and do them good.

SUMMARY

1. In prayer we do not ask God for what we want, but for what he wants to do.  Prayer will give us only what God wants us to have, and by praying we learn what that is.

2. When we pray for people in need, we call down God’s healing and strengthening power upon them and so share in his loving work and allow him to use us to bring about his will for others.

3. We should make a list of people to pray for each evening, not forgetting our departed relations.

References

1. Clements, B. (1939) When ye pray, London: Student Christian Movement Press.

2. Julian of Norwich (A.D. 1373) Revelations of Divine Love, ninth edition edited by Warrack, G. (1927) London: Methuen.