Fall 2003
When Praying for Others
Grayce Bausch

The Lord desires to not only teach us how to pray, but how to “pray effectively.” Therefore, when we pray, we must ask the Lord for guidance as to how to pray.

When we pray, and do not receive the results we desire, it may be that there are influences, or unknown issues which are affecting or hindering the answer to our prayers. The person for whom we are praying, may be deeply affected by the demands, or pressures that have been placed upon them by others, that are beyond what they are capable of handling.

We may be aware that “life” and “energy” are being drained from this person, but we may not see what is causing this condition. They may not know either, but the Lord knows. When we, in faith, reach out beyond the known, and ask for His intervention in their behalf, He will respond.

As we pray for them, we should come against the opposition that is affecting them, and then ask the Lord to still the “wind” and the “waves,” so that they can see the shoreline, and know that it is not only there, but within reach.

In their behalf, we should ask the Lord to remove these opposing forces, in whatever way He chooses, and then to reveal His mercy and understanding, not only to the person being prayed for, but also to those who may be the cause of the need, or problem.

If we simply pray to keep a drowning man afloat, the need may not be fully met. Our prayers should be directed to rescue him completely; not only from the water, but also from the fear, emotional and physical stress, as well as any tormenting memory, that may have resulted from almost drowning.

Also, it is not enough to just ask the Lord to give someone peace. We are to ask for wisdom, as to how to pray correctly concerning their “lack” of peace, and for a correction in them, and in the surrounding situations, that “caused” this loss of peace.

May we learn how to effectively pray, with an authority, that is directed at the need.