Around Awana Prayer Guide for May: Jesus Prayed for Others, We Should Too

The act of praying for and over someone is one of the most incredible gifts we can give them. When we include their requests in our prayers, we convey that they, their needs and their spiritual growth are important to us. Awana Chief Communications Officer Mike Handler, our guest blogger this month, shares his thoughts on intercessory prayer and why it should be an important part of our prayer lives.

Jesus Prayed for Others, We Should Too

Intercessory prayer (committed and selfless prayer for others) isn’t for the spiritually elite. It’s an activity we can all participate in and one that makes a true difference. Incorporating prayer into our child disciple-maker roles keeps our hearts connected to Jesus. It also allows us to bring the concerns and hopes for the kids we lead before God, who alone can change hearts and lives through the Holy Spirit. In fact, prioritizing prayer is a way in which all of us can lead like Jesus.

Jesus gives us a beautiful example of this kind of prayer in John 17. In fact, as one of His last acts prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus prays for His disciples. While He knows He cannot be with them during what will be one of the most turbulent times of their lives — seeing their friend and Savior tried and killed — He can commit them to the Father in prayer, in order that they (and we) might endure with faith that will not be shaken.

Your prayers make a difference and are beneficial to every ministry, especially to those ministering to kids.

Please download this month’s Around Awana Prayer Calendar and watch the replay of Pray First: Prioritizing Prayer in Child Discipleship. You’ll hear from Mike and Jon Kelly, lead pastor of Chicago West Bible Church, as they share how prayer has impacted their congregations and church communities. Their experiences can only be credited to the power of God!