Pray for One Another

Introduction...

Intercessory prayer, standing in the gap, lifting my brother up, pleading my sister's case are all different terms to describe one action; carrying a burden, need, or thanks for another person to God.
Children sometimes go to their mother and say "Will you talk to Dad for me?" We, as children in the household of God all have this same privilege; we can talk to our Father for them.

When you are burdened with life, do you pull inward or express outward? Why?
Do you pray more often when there is trouble or when all seems well? Explain.

What Does It Mean To "Stand In The Gap?" For Someone Else?

Psalm 106:23
So he said he would destroy them
had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach [gap] before him
to keep his wrath from destroying them.

What kind of person "stands in the gap" for another person?
Did Moses intercede for them because Israel deserved it?
Do you only pray for and help those who deserve it?

How Do We "Stand In The Gap" For Each Other?

James 5:13
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.
Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

Why/How do we pray when we face "trouble?"
Is it easy or difficult for you to pray leaving the results in God's hands? Why?

James 5:14-15
Is any one of you sick?
He should call the elders of the church to pray over him
and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.

Would you feel comfortable calling church leaders for prayer?
Do you believe that prayer can affect our physical health?

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to each other
and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Have you seen prayer bring positive changes in people?

Do you now, or have you ever kept a prayer journal?
Can you see value in keeping a record of answered prayer?

If we confess our sins to God why should anyone else need to know about it?
How can we provide more opportunities for mutual confession and prayer?
What would it mean if we each were willing to be God's answer to prayers?
How can we pray for you?