They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come

They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come.

One of Scripture’s best-known stories about the power of intercessory prayer:  Jesus heals an unseen servant with only the power of his word.   It’s an inspiring story, but take a look at how it all began.   People came to Jesus and urged him, begged him, to come.   They weren’t asking on behalf of a family member or a friend or even another Jew.   They were asking him to come heal a pagan soldier’s slave.   An unlikely believer, the Roman centurion recognized that Jesus, like Caesar, possessed supreme authority.   So he sent envoys to convey his request, and Jesus responded!

Many miracles in Scripture occurred because someone went to Jesus on another person’s behalf.   Often it was a parent pleading for a child or a friend begging Jesus to intervene.   And over and over, Jesus answered their request.

Intercession like this isn’t limited to biblical times.   We can all be intercessors.   We don’t need a special title or training. In fact, you probably already intercede for your family and friends.   But maybe now is an opportunity to learn to pray a little more effectively.   How?   Like the centurion, try making a plan and pushing yourself to stick with it.

First, find a piece of paper and write down the people, places, and situations that you want to pray for.   Maybe it’s people in your own home or parish.   Maybe it’s a bitter conflict in a distant country.   Don’t let the size of the request deter you.

Next, find a visible place in your home where you can post your list.   You might put it on the refrigerator, on your mirror, or beside your Bible.   Every time you see the list, picture yourself bringing these petitions to Jesus, just as the centurion did.   Ask him to intervene in these situations to bring healing or reconciliation or whatever else is needed.

As time goes by, you may discover that God has answered some of your prayers.   Put a check mark next to these.   This will remind you that God is listening, even though other prayers seem to go unanswered.   In moments of doubt, you can look back on these answered prayers and remember that God knows and hears the requests of his people.

Word Among Us