Samuel — Prophet and Leaderعينة

Praying for Others Samuel not only was God’s spokesperson to the people of Israel, he also pleaded with God for his people when they were in trouble. He led them in repentance and worship and prayed on their behalf. Praying for others is not just a task for Old Testament prophets. Paul writes: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1, ESV). And James exhorts his readers: “Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV). Most important of all, Christians know that the Lord himself is praying for them: “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34, ESV). Jesus pleads for us with his Father. And if the prayer of a righteous person has great power, how much more the intercessions of God the Son! Why would it be necessary that Jesus intercedes for you?