Intercessory Prayer: Walking People into the Presence of Jesus

"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints." Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Frank Laubach once wrote, "I have found such a way of life. I ask nobody else to live it, or even try it. I only witness that it is wonderful, it is indeed Heaven on earth. And it is very simple, so simple that any child could practice it. Just to pray inwardly for everybody one meets, and to keep on all day without stopping, even when doing other work of every kind."(1)

Perhaps that sounds like a daunting task. But what if?

What would the world look like if followers of Jesus who carry His Spirit inside of them wherever they go began Laubach's simple practice? What if, as you and I went about our day, we offered up this simple prayer, "Lord Jesus, open my eyes to where you are at work around me. Show me who you want me to intercede on behalf of."

What if you and I offered up silent prayers to Jesus for the people we meet as we go about our day? The man working behind the counter at your local grocery store. The woman sitting in the car next to you as you commute to work. Or the child riding his bike up and down your street. Each represents a soul that has been created in the image of God.

You might be asking what I should pray for. Pray whatever the Spirit brings to your mind at that moment. Pray for healing in their relationships. Thank God for how hard they are working at their job. Or just pray that the name of Jesus would come into their mind right there at that very moment and that they would be drawn into a deep intimate relationship with God like they have never known before.

Today, as you go about your day, imagine yourself taking each person you meet by the hand and lovingly walking them into the presence of Jesus so that He might transform them from the inside out.

Notes: (1) Frank Laubach, Letters by a Modern Mystic, pg. 75