When my husband, Joe, underwent a heart-related surgical procedure this past summer, my loved ones and I kept him covered in prayer. I come from a praying family, and we have witnessed countless times the difference that prayer can make in all kinds of situations and circumstances.

After Joe came out of surgery and recovery that day, he was brought back to his original hospital room. As I sat with him while he came out of anesthesia, we sensed a commotion all around us. When one of the nurses came in to check on Joe, and we asked her what all of the activity was about, she told us that we were surrounded by “bleeders” – people who experienced abnormal and life-threatening bleeding after their surgical procedures, and who had to extend their hospital stays. Suddenly, I sensed the Spirit of God speaking to my heart and saying, “Not everyone has someone to pray for them.” Immediately, I began praying for all of the patients around us who were experiencing serious complications from their surgeries. And I thanked and praised God that Joe did so well that his doctors sent him home the very same day.

For a long time afterwards, the Holy Spirit’s words rang in my ears. And it saddened me to think that there are people in this world who have no one to pray for them. Jesus said, “Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.” (Luke 12:48 TLB) As born-again children of the Most High God, you and I have a responsibility to pray for people everywhere we go. As we begin to pray for someone, we should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, because He knows what their greatest needs are, and He will show us the best way to intercede for them. I know from experience that the first thing He is likely to have us pray for is their salvation. This is what I did that day at the hospital. It makes no sense to pray for someone’s body to be healed, if we haven’t prayed for them to receive God’s precious gift of salvation.

I have been praying for people everywhere I go for decades. But that day at the hospital, God surrounded me with hurting people to impress upon me how urgent it is for His people to do this more and more. The Bible says that as a believer, your prayers are “powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 NIV) With that power comes great responsibility. Today, I urge you to answer the Lord’s call to prayer, so that when you get to Heaven, countless people will come up to you and say, I’m here because of YOU!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that Your Word says that because of my righteousness in Christ, “great things will happen” when I pray. (James 5:16 ERV) Help me to make the most of the power and responsibility You have given me as a believer by praying for people everywhere I go. Holy Spirit, teach me how to intercede for others according to the will of God. Thank You that as I am sensitive and obedient to Your leading in prayer, lives will be eternally transformed for the glory of God!