Praying always…in the Spirit…with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. –Ephesians 6:18

What an unspeakable blessing there is in intercession!  That one should pray down heavenly gifts on himself is a wonder of grace, but that he should bring down blessings on others is indeed an inconceivable honor.  But God makes the pouring out of blessing on others dependent on our prayers. Indeed, He makes us His remembrancers and fellow workers. He has taken us into partnership I His work; if we fail in doing our part, others will suffer, and His work will suffer unspeakable loss.

God has appointed intercession as one of the means by which souls are saved, and by which saints and ministers of the Gospel are built up in the faith. Even the ends of the earth will receive life and blessing through our prayers. Should we not expect God’s children to strive joyfully and with all their powers, by means of intercession, to bring down blessing on the world?

Christian, begin to use intercession as a means of grace for yourself and for others. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for souls with the definite desire that they may be won for Christ.  Pray for your minister, for all ministers and missionaries.  Pray for your country and its people. Pray for all men.  If you surrender yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and live a life wholly for God, you will realize that the time spent in prayer is an offering well pleasing to God, bringing blessing to yourself and power into the lives of those for whom you pray.

—from God’s Best Secrets by Andrew Murray