We are told:
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high
authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3. AMP)“…pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—
it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]” (James 5:15, AMP)
Some translations phrase this as effectual and fervent. Though I don’t know how you define those 2 words, but to me they mean passion and continuous until an answer manifests.
So… what is our role, our part? Obviously, telling God what to do is never part of what we do. Nor is asking God to ‘change’ the other person isn’t part of what He does. He never goes where He is not wanted. This should give us some clues as to what we can be and do. Primarily we share. We share Who the Lord is in our lives, what difference He has made in and for us. We invite others into their experiences with the Lord.
When it comes to prayer, intercession our role is not to tell, beg, demand, etc. Our role is to present, make our request known (Philippians 4:6) If we remember if we are on the receiving end of prayer, what it is we would want, ask for. Granted, each of us had our own needs and wants but I suspect to be surreptitiously changed is never part. Why would we do this to others? Exactly how long would we react? Acceptance comes with understanding, rarely force… at least in the inward man where the difference comes from.
Actually, when we step up and accept our assignment, regardless of context, remember to rest in Psalm 138:3, AMP
“On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased.”
That’s what we do… we call out to the Lord as we take that first step in faith that He who calls us has already prepared and equipped us. Read again the verses in 1 Timothy and James – it provides us with who we are to pray for, how we’re suppose to pray, and the results of our praying. We rest in Him and … do our part.
