“So I say to you: ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
If you, even though you’re flawed, know how to give good gifts to your kids,
how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Luke 11:9-10 & 13
Ever wonder if your prayers are actually making a difference at all?
Thankfully, Jesus made it super clear: they do!
One of my favourite ways to pray is through intercession. When we come before our kind, generous and powerful Father on behalf of someone else, to stand in the gap and fight for them through prayer. We call on God to break in, to bless and to pour out His Spirit on them. We stand in agreement with Jesus to bring what He’s already paid for — salvation, healing, freedom — into the lives of people we love.
What a beautiful way to pray…I just LOVE IT!
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“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b
I remember when I first moved to Bedford and made friends with a lovely lady at church. Her son had turned his back on God and was making destructive choices, living in a way that left his mum heartbroken. Together we began to stand in the gap and fight for him!
We would pray in tongues, declare promises over him and stand against the schemes of the enemy in his life. Together we prayed him right back into his heavenly Father’s arms! It was such a joy to see him come back to Jesus in a spectacular way. He loves the Lord and serves him well. Our prayers make a difference!
What a privilege we have to intercede for others! Sometimes we just need to find a friend to stand in the gap with us!
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Ready to move from inspiration to action?
Intercession isn’t just for a few — it’s for all of us. When we say yes to standing in the gap for others, heaven responds. Here is a simple framework you can use to step into powerful, effective prayer today. Let’s go!
1. Write down three people or situations you’re going to pray for (e.g. salvation, healing, provision…whatever’s on your heart).
2. Picture yourself standing right there in God’s throne room, with His full attention on you.
3. Start with a moment of thanksgiving. Thank Him for who He is, for the power of His death and resurrection.
4. Then ask boldly! Pray for breakthroughs over each person or situation. If you want, use a bible verse and declare it over them too!
5. Consider keeping track of the prayers you pray and celebrate every answered prayer! You’ll be amazed at what God will do when you just ask.
So, let’s step in, stand in the gap, and pray!
You can also use these heartfelt prayers as templates when interceding for others:
For a Loved One’s Salvation
“Father, thank You for Your relentless love. I lift up [Name] to You. Soften their heart, open their eyes to Your truth, and draw them into a life-changing relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
For Healing
“Lord, You are our Healer. I pray for [Name]‘s health. Bring restoration to their body, peace to their mind, and strength to their spirit. Let Your healing touch be upon them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
For Provision
“Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, I bring [Name]‘s needs before You. Open doors of opportunity, provide resources, and meet every need according to Your riches in glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
For Freedom from Bondage
“Jesus, You came to set the captives free. I intercede for [Name], asking You to break every chain of addiction, fear or oppression. Let them walk in the freedom You have secured for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Let’s keep partnering with God through intercession, standing in the gap for others with faith and expectancy. As we do so, let’s also remember that He is a Good Father who is far more generous, kind and willing to answer than we could ever imagine.
His heart is moved when we pray!
Much love,
Carole Wilthew and the eFocus team