In Jas 5:16 we are told to pray for one another.  This is called intercessory prayer.  We intercede during prayer meeting for loved ones and missionaries.  But how do we know that these are effectual intercessory prayers?  How do we know that God hears us and is willing to answer?  The Bible shows us.

In 1 Jn 5:14-15, we have confidence that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

This doesn’t mean that he will grant us exactly what we prayed for.  The Lord didn’t remove the thorn in Paul’s flesh; instead, he gave him something better.  The Lord didn’t take the cup from Jesus; instead he gave us something better.  Ultimately, they both had the petitions that they desired of him.

The instruction in 1 Jn 5 is that we ask “according to his will”.  If we do this, then we have confidence that he hears us.  Then we have confidence that we are praying effectual intercessory prayers.

What is God’s will in these following verses?

Read 1 Tim 2:1-4.  Paul exhorted us that intercessions be made for all men… this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

First, his will is for us to intercede.  We know this because this is good and acceptable, see Rom 12:2.  This is the good and acceptable will of God.

Second, his will is for all men to be saved.  See 1 Tim 4:10, Jesus is the Saviour of all men.  In Jn 3:16-17 the Bible says that the world through him might be saved.  And in 2 Pet 3:9 God is not wiling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Third, his will is for all men to come to the knowledge of the truth.  See 2 Tim 2:25-26 and 2 Tim 3:7.  They have to come to the knowledge of the truth to get right with God.  The prodigal son, for example, came to himself and acknowledged the truth, Lk 15:17-19.  When Manasseh was in affliction he humbled himself and prayed and then he “knew” that the Lord was God, 2 Chr 33:11-13.

So, we pray effectual intercessory prayers when we ask God to save the lost, and to bring men to the knowledge of the truth.  It is their decision to believe or reject the gospel and the truth when they hear it.  In Eph 1:13 they believed.  In 2 Thes 2:12 they believed not.

So, keep praying for the lost and keep praying for the wayward to acknowledge the truth.  You may be praying a long time but you can be confident you are praying effectual intercessory prayers.