The holiday season is closing in on us. Most folks are starting to get busy, and from now until the New Year, they may move through their days with stress and responsibilities weighing them down.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to lift someone in prayer and help them end 2023 strong? I challenge you to pick someone to pray for—for 30 days—and bless them anonymously.
I love this idea!
If you share my enthusiasm, here are some suggestions on how best to be a 30-day intercessor:
Ask God to reveal who it is that needs your prayers. It doesn't have to be someone close. Maybe it's a person you pass in your daily activities, like a barista or a clerk at your favorite store. Maybe it's a friend you don't see often or someone from church or your job.
Ask God for a specific scripture to use as a jumping-off prayer for that person. Here are a few examples:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15
If you know of a specific need or challenge "your person" has, find a verse and personalize it.
God, give [name] complete knowledge of Your will and give them spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [name] grace and peace. 2 Thessalonians 1:2
I also pray that [name] will be strengthened with all His glorious power so they will have all the endurance and patience they need. May [name] be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. Colossians 1:11-12
Try to set a specific time for your secret prayer mission, either a particular time of day or perhaps set an alarm to remind you.
Consider fasting for a day while praying for your person.
Pray sincerely and in faith. Don't take this assignment lightly. Trust that God will move in their life.
Praise God for what He's doing in their life (and yours) and thank Him for His faithfulness.
Pray that God orchestrates delightful God Moments to let them know He is near and loves them.
Pray for spiritual insight for your person, that they receive insight into the Word, understand their identity in Christ, and understand their purpose. Pray they develop an eternal perspective.
Pray for whatever is important right now to your person. If you know what that might be, great. If it's something between them and the Lord, pray they receive revelation, skill, persistence, success, and joy.
Pray they have a sensitivity to sin and grow closer to the Lord.
Pray for them to have healthy, satisfying relationships.
Pray for them to experience spiritual victories.
Pray for health and strength.
Pray for them to have wisdom.
Pray they trust in the Lord.
Pray for good stewardship with their time, talents, and treasures.
Find a scripture to end your prayer time with, such as: May the Lord bless and protect [name]. May the Lord smile on [name] and be gracious to [him/her]. May the Lord show [name] His favor and give [name] peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Praying for someone else changes you as well. God called you to operate in His Spirit for a greater purpose. Remember, Galatians 6:2 says, Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.