 "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour is come...
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine...
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth...
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;...
And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: That the love wherewith thou hast loved me be in them, and I in them.
(John 17:9-10a,15-17,20,26 KJV)
The night He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus himself established our model for intercessory prayer. Knowing that He would pay the ultimate price for our salvation on Calvery's cross at noon the next day, Jesus left the disciples to go off by himself and intercede to the Father on behalf of the disciples and future believers. In spite of His own circumstances Jesus felt compelled to pray for His disciples out of love for them...Jesus demonstrates that love is the only motivation that drives a believer to pray for others. It is, in fact, one of the greatest ways our love for others manifests itself in our lives.
Praying for others is one of the great privileges of the Christian. Twice Paul said to the Thessalonians, "Brothers, pray for us" (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1). He encourage the Philippians, "I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel" (Phil. 1:4-5). He Prayed for the Colossians too. "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you" (Col. 1:9). And he counseled the Ephesians always to "keep on praying for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18). Praying for others not only brings blessing to those for whom we pray, it brings joy to us.
Because its source is pure, "agape" love, the unselfish act of Intercessory prayer (praying for others) is considered by many true believers as the most precious spiritual gift of all. Unfortuantely, very few Saints possess it. This is because, for most Saints, the continuing desire to pray for others is only acquired to strict spiritual discipline. But for those endowed by the Holy Spirit with this precious spiritual gift, they yearn to pray for others, there's no greater joy they can receive than the joy they receive from lifting other up in prayer...it becomes their true heart's desire.
This ministry, in association with The Mary E. May Intercessory Prayerline Ministry, is involved in tearing down Satan's strong holes in the North Tampa community of "Suitcase City," a transient community plagued with drug addiction, youth offenses, teen pregnancies and child abuse and neglect. As we move forward in the name of Jesus "bringing hope to the hurting," we need the spiritual support of those who are Intercessory Prayer Warriors.
Perhaps, you are gifted with the spiritual gift of "intercessory prayer" and desire to use your gift to lift up a ministry such as ours. If so, let us know by volunteering as an Intercessory Prayer Warrior. All you need to do is complete our online volunteer form. Just click here.
If you need prayer, Let us know by completing our online ministry request form. To complete the form, click here. We will respond to your request within 24 hours of receiving it. However, if your situation is critical, please call us immediately at (813) 907-9110. If you're connected with our voicemail, don't be alarmed. Just tell us your need and don't forget to leave your name and a number where we may reach you.
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