God Hears You: 6 Bible verses to encourage your heart as you intercede for a loved one
By Olivia Dunn // Bible Verses // EEW Magazine Online
No one likes seeing loved ones go through hardship, sickness, injustice, and heartache. When a close companion endures intense trials and setbacks in their life, not being able to fix their problems for them can make you feel helpless. But you’re not in the least bit powerless.
As a child of God, you have a direct line of communication to the Father through Jesus Christ, so you can intercede for your friends and loved ones. When you pray on someone else’s behalf, which is what it means to intercede, good things happen!
Sure, it’s unpleasant to watch those you hold dear grapple with unfortunate circumstances. However, you can facilitate positive change when you pull out your best weapon, the Word of God, and pray it over their circumstances. Whether they are facing sickness, mental health issues, financial challenges, family problems, legal troubles, or some other life crisis, apply prayer pressure and believe God for change.
If you have been distressed, burdened, worried, or discouraged lately over the plight of someone near and dear to your heart, this is not unusual. The heaviness you feel is an indication that you feel compassion toward them and wish to see them in a better position. The good news is that you can help them get to the other side of this by praying; the bad news is the process of change can be long and frustrating.
That’s why EEW Magazine Online is offering 6 Bible verses to encourage you as you intercede for a loved one in need.
Bible Verse #1— “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Whether you have a personal need or are praying for another person, you can confidently go to God and expect Him to help.
Bible Verse #2— “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” (James 5:15) When a loved one is touched by sickness, whether a physically sick body or a sin sick soul, faith-filled prayer is a cure.
Bible Verse #3— “And these signs will accompany those who believe…they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17-18) God wants to use your hands as a tool for healing. As you rest your hand on those who are ailing, God will rest His power upon you and cause the miraculous to happen.
Bible Verse #4— “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Interceding with a prayer group, even if there are only one or two others, is a powerful way to invite God’s anointing into any situation. He promises to show up when you gather in His name.
Bible Verse #5— “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19) This Bible verse piggybacks on the previous one, in that it touches on the power of agreement. When you align your faith with other believers, God responds in your favor, according to His will.
Bible Verse #6— “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) The next time you feel helpless to help a struggling family member or friend, remember this Scripture, and you will be instantly encouraged. Your prayers are powerful and effective, so don’t ever stop praying!
Read and meditate on these Scriptures, and they will strengthen you as you intercede and wait for God to intervene.
All Bible translations from the NIV unless otherwise indicated.
