interceding

[niteflite]

hello all. my question is about intercession. we pray for people that we don't know, and we pray for people that we do know. when we pray for our friends, family, and other familiar people in our lives, is it important that we know what to pray for, for these people? that is, is it better or more effective that we have specific things to pray for, versus praying generally for a person?

 

[Acceptance]

Wow, great question! I think there is something to be said for knowing exactly what you're praying for. While of course God knows what we need, it is impossible to ask for something specific in Jesus' name if you don't know what you're asking/praying for.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

The most effective form of intercession I have found is to interceed in the spirit. There have been times when I had no idea what I was praying for, only that it was urgent and the praying was intense.

 

[kimber1]

my opinion on this, God knows what we don't. He knows what the other person needs and even though we may not always know the specifics we can still pray for them. God knows our words before we even say them and even when we don't know the right words to say, He "gets" it!!

 

[eldermike]

It's good to know the specific needs when we pray for others. We should also know that by trials we are made stronger and always remember to pray for the inner person, not the one we know, but the one God knows. I love this prayer.

EPH 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

[niteflite]

I would like to know what references, if any, there are regarding intercession and specific topics versus general prayer.

I do understand that the Holy Spirit is always there and God knows everything. I can pray anytime, and for anyone. But why do we share prayer requests? In the Bible various people prayed with specific requests.

 

[Reformationist]

is it better or more effective that we have specific things to pray for, versus praying generally for a person?

No. Our prayers do not change the immutable counsel and Plan of the Almighty, Eternal God. We are commanded to pray but our prayers are not some magical incantation that will only bring about a desired result of certain words or topics are addressed. Whatsoever happens is the Will of God. It's not like it would have turned out differently if we had used different words. Place your trust in the One to whom you pray, not in the words of your prayers.

God bless