I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30 NIV
God has designed it so no one battles the enemy alone. Paul understood that, so he petitioned his brothers and sisters in Christ to join in his struggle by supporting him in prayer. Prayer is a key weapon against attacks of the enemy, not just our own prayers but the prayers of other believers on our behalf. Check out these verses that demonstrate just how much Paul relied on the prayer support of others.
Because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19 BSB
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:11 BSB
In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers, I will be restored to you. Philemon 1:22 BSB
Paul highly valued the prayers offered on his behalf and realized that many of the victories he won were a direct result of those prayers. There’s an old testament story that illustrates this idea perhaps better than any other.
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. Exodus 17:8-13 NIV
Joshua’s ability to defeat the enemy was completely related to the support he received from Moses; and Moses ability to support Joshua was dependent upon the support he received from Aaron and Hur. Think about those you know who are battling the enemy today. Could it be that their success or failure is dependent upon the amount of time you spend praying for them? What if their battle can only be one in answer to your prayers?
My hope, as you ponder these questions, is not that you will arrive at some definitive doctrinal answer, but rather that you will be moved to intercede more for those you love. How much time should we spend supporting our loved ones in prayer as they battle the enemy?
I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest. Isaiah 62:6 NIV