Recognizing The Need

As a first step, leaders need to acknowledge their need for prayer support, to ask the Lord to provide them with intercessors who can "stand in the gap" on their behalf, (see Ezekiel 22:30) to present their needs and ministry before the Lord. There are several reasons why this may not be as easy as it sounds ......

Leaders may not realise how much they need prayer support. Things may be going OK - but how much better could they be? There has never been as much pressure on our leaders as there is today, and many Christian leaders need greater prayer support than they are able to provide for themselves.

Leaders don't ask for prayer support! After all, there are far more urgent needs out there - people in need of healing, a world torn apart by violence and war, those who are bereaved. Even if the need for greater intercessory support for leaders is recognised, humility can often be a barrier to the ministries and work of leaders being presented as a need for prayer. Yet it is a very healthy and positive Christian practice for others to engage in intercession for leaders.

Our use of prayer often tends towards situations where there is a problem, or healing is required. Receiving regular prayer support may make the leaders feel that their ministry is inadequate, or riven with issues. Asking for prayer support and building up effective relationships with intercessors is not easy. Like any relationship it takes time to establish the openness necessary to tackle the real needs for prayer.

Paul's Requests for Prayer

Paul knew his need for prayer support, for particular crisis situations and for his ongoing ministry. He asked for prayer from the churches in Ephesus (Eph 6:19), Rome (Rom 15:30), Corinth (2 Cor 1:11), Thessalonica (1 Thess 5:25), Philippi (Phil 1:19) and Colossae (Col 4:3). Paul's request to the Philippians for prayer highlights the high importance he places on intercession in deliverance from his imprisonment. In his letter to Philemon he is so confident that the prayers for his release will be successful that he asks Philemon to prepare a room for him! His requests in Ephesians and Colossians are for prayer for his ministry of proclaiming the gospel.


Our personal experience of such intercession has taught both leader and intercessor much about God's response to prayer - things do change as a result of prayer. We would like to share it as an encouragement to others........