Richard Foster proposes that intercession starts with listening.[i] Foster writes that “Listening to the Lord is the first thing, the second thing, and the third thing necessary for successful intercession.” For example, he suggests, instead of continuing to pray for Aunt Susie’s arthritis just as you have been for twenty years, stop and listen. Perhaps God wishes you to pray for something else, something deeper, something of even greater need for Aunt Susie. Talking to God on behalf of a person must always begin by listening to God about that person.
Think of one individual in your life right now. In your mind, see that individual. Now sit quietly before God with that individual in your heart. What does he/she truly need? What is most urgent for that person? Now, pray about what you’ve heard.
