Today's daily devotion

Intercessory Prayer

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.—EPHESIANS 3:16 NIV

Hudson Taylor, a respected pioneer missionary to China, stressed that prayer for another was transacting business with God on that person’s behalf.

As we take care of our loved one’s business—making doctor appointments, picking up prescriptions, taking care of the banking she can no longer tend to—let’s not forget the most important transaction of the day: speaking to God on his or her behalf.

God does promise to hear and answer our prayers about our loved one’s health and business. But let’s also take a moment and talk to Him about spiritual needs.

We cannot see our loved one’s spiritual need as readily as we can see the physical places that need God’s touch. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into the spiritual healing needed today. Jesus is praying for your loved one’s inner being. Join Him in prayer. Pray for courage, assurance of God’s presence, and strength to resist temptation, knowing that He has “glorious riches” to share.

Lord God, it is so easy to focus on pressing physical needs. Help me to remember the lasting spiritual needs of my loved one. Please give me the strength and clarity to raise these vital issues in intercessory prayer.

Adapted from

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