What a holy exercise you have undertaken, to plead for the souls of others before the throne of grace. When the Lord turns the captivity of any man, He often does it when a friend prays for him, even as it was with Job. Your secret groanings for these unnamed ones are like the bow in the cloud, a sure sign that mercy is on the way. Continue, then, in this sacred work, for intercessory prayer has ever been the practice of the best of God’s saints, and it is the sweetest prayer that ever reaches the ear of the Almighty, because it is of the very nature of Christ’s own pleading for sinners.
Be greatly encouraged to persist, for such prayers are exceedingly prevalent. They have stayed plagues, broken chains, and snatched brands from the burning. It may be that some soul for whom you are burdened is even now on the brink of ruin, and your supplication may be the instrument, under God, of a mighty deliverance at the very nick of time. The Lord has often touched hearts and turned whole households to Himself in answer to one believer’s faithful cry. Lay hold of the covenant promises, reminding the Lord that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that His dear Son has purchased salvation for all who believe. Argue with Him on the ground of His own grace and glory.
Yet remember that salvation, from its first plan to its final perfection, is entirely of the Lord. You need not fear that any sin of those you love is too great an obstacle, for salvation is all of grace, and where grace reigns, mountains of iniquity become molehills. The way is simple, so simple that a child may take it: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” Pray, therefore, that the Spirit would give them eyes to look to Jesus, for it is not by might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit alone. And while you are praying for others, let your own heart be fixed on Christ anew. There is no surer way to grow in grace and in love to the brethren than to bear their names daily before the mercy seat. This very act of intercession will knit your heart to theirs and to your Lord’s, and He may yet use you as the very messenger of peace to those for whom you weep in secret.
Be of good courage, then, and do not grow weary. You are one of the sentries set upon the walls of Zion, keeping the night watches in prayer. As you ask in Jesus’ name, hear His own word: “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” The answer is sure, for the prayer that aims at God’s glory in the salvation of men can never ultimately fail.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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