One of the recurring messages in my spirit lately involves intercession, which could be considered a type of advocacy defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. There are so many instances in the scriptures where a man or woman of God went before the LORD on behalf of another person and God responded to their prayer. Here's one example of petitioning the Lord for someone else's benefit that I love:
"And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 'for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.'” - Luke 7:2-5
Jesus healed the centurion's servant only after the elders of the Jews advocated for him because they thought he was deserving of this blessing due to the love and kindness that he showed them. The gospels also tell the story about a group of men who were so determined to see a man healed that they lowered him through a roof and their faith moved God to act.
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven you.'” - Mark 2:5
Even Eli the priest's agreement with Hannah's petition to the LORD for a son resulted in her getting pregnant after their encounter:
"Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.' Then Eli answered and said, 'Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him'...Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the LORD remembered her plea, so it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, 'Because I have asked for him from the LORD.'" - 1 Samuel 1:16-17, 19-20
What are you willing to do in order for someone else to receive their blessings from the LORD? Will you give God no rest in prayer? Are you willing to fast with the person or on their behalf? I know many Christians who insist that they wouldn't be where they are today without the prayers of other disciples of Jesus Christ and I'm one of them. People were praying for me to find the Way when I lost my way being rebellious and a few elders in the faith have made it a point to call and encourage me over the years whenever the LORD put me on their heart. While following Jesus has certainly been a journey of valleys and mountaintops, I can confidently say that because of the prayers of the righteous it hasn't been a lonely one.
I challenge you to spend 40 consecutive days praying for the same person (no more than 2 people) every single day, preferably someone whose blessing from God wouldn't directly benefit you in any way. Ministry has taught me that loving your neighbor isn't limited to feeding or clothing them but also includes advocating for them through prayer. So, be intentional in what you say to the Father about them and most importantly, have faith that God can do what you're asking of Him. Consider how wonderful it will be to hear the person testify that God blessed them with the very thing that you were praying for. And if you find yourself worried that God might reward them before He blesses you, don't be. Not only does Jeremiah 17:10 assure us that God rewards us according to the fruit of our doings but we can also take comfort in what He said in the book of Isaiah too:
"... for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” - Isaiah 49:23
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