While these things are important and have their place, along with those needs to be the following: believing, imitating, utilizing. Do you pray believing that God really hears you and answers prayer? Our hearts must be certain that we believe that God truly listens to His children and answers them when they pray and seek His face properly. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14.) Do we truly understand that part of imitating Christ as a Christian involves intercessory prayer? Paul wrote of what Jesus has been and still is doing for us since His ascension in Romans 8:34, “...who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Similarly, the writer of Hebrews states in Hebrews 7:25, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Some have said, “Well at least I can pray for them since I can’t help them.” Praying for someone is not the least thing; it’s one of the greatest things you can do for people! Being an intercessory prayer warrior is being Christlike! Lastly, we need to learn to utilize two major things in our prayer life: Scripture, and the names of God. Be intentional to find Scripture that speaks to what you are praying for. There is nothing we can pray that is stronger than the LORD’s own, eternal Word. And then use the names of God found in Scripture as you pray. For instance, you might use Philippians 4:19 as your verse to pray for provision, and the name of God, Jehovah Jireh (The LORD our Provider); or in the need for healing, you might use Jeremiah 17:14 and Jehovah Rapha (The LORD who Heals). There are many different names for God in Scripture that can be used to enhance your focus as you pray. So, believe that God truly answers prayer, remember that interceding for others imitates Jesus, and utilize the gifts of His Word and His names.
