Are You Praying for Them?

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, April 11, 2023
…Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all.
Job 1:5 (NKJV)

When reading the story of Job, we often focus on his tribulations while forgetting an important character trait of his. He was an intercessor who dedicated his time to pray for other people. If we modelled our prayer lives of Job, we would be a blessing to many people.

Job Intercedes for his Children

Job was a righteous man who lived a blameless life. To his spiritual prosperity, God added material wealth. This pious man was blessed with seven sons and three daughter, and a big household. From the onset, we realize that Job was very close to his children:

And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus, Job did regularly. (Job 1:4-5).

He Would Consecrate his Children

Like many young people, Job’s offspring loved to make merry. Being children of a wealthy man meant they could party every day. The man of God, though, understood the perils of a life of unfettered pleasure. He knew his sons and daughters risked the wrath of God through blasphemy and other sins.

Consequently, he formed a habit of consecrating his children to God. He would also offer sacrifices on their behalf. In essence, Job would intercede for his children. He knew God would hear his prayers, be merciful to his children and protect them.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

Job’s prayers were so powerful that Satan was frustrated in his efforts to harm the household of this righteous man. The devil complained to God concerning Job, “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” (Job 1:10).

There is power in praying for your children, spouse, siblings, parents, neighbours, classmates, teachers, and so on. Because of your intercession, God will protect such individuals, help through their difficulties and open doors of opportunity for them.

Are You Praying For Them?

Are you praying for them? How many times does God hear your petitions on behalf of others? Actually, you may not know it but some of your spiritual and material victories are the answered prayers of people who interceded for you. Thus, pray for others. Remember, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

Prayer
Dear God, teach me how to intercede on behalf of others.