Praying Hands - Amy Sapp

Have you ever looked at your hands and wondered what impact they could make in the world? Not just when they hold a baby, stir the soup, or wipe a tear, but when they are folded in prayer.

Today, we’re going to talk about the power of praying hands, not just for ourselves, but for others. Intercessory prayer. Standing in the gap. Because, ladies, God is still looking for women who will get on their knees and change the world through prayer.

1. THE COMMAND TO PRAY FOR OTHERS

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”

1 Timothy 2:1

Paul exhorts us to make prayer a priority, especially intercession.

Praying for others is NOT optional. It’s a command wrapped in compassion.

It’s not just for preachers or pastors.. it’s for all Christians.

Jesus Himself intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). If our Savior prays for others, shouldn’t we?

Who are you praying for regularly?

2. THE COMPASSION OF PRAYING HANDS

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

When we pray for others, we carry their burdens to the throne of grace.

Prayer is love in action... it says, “I see you. I feel your pain. I’m going to war for you.”

It’s not gossip. It’s not judgment. It’s intercession.

Hannah praying for Samuel before he was born (1 Samuel 1)

Moses interceding for Israel when they sinned (Exodus 32:11–14)

Start a prayer journal for others. Write down names. Needs. Dates. And leave space for answered prayers.

3. THE COMMITMENT OF PRAYING HANDS

“Pray without ceasing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Intercessory prayer takes consistency, not convenience.

Sometimes it means praying for years before you see a breakthrough.

It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing.. it’s a lifestyle.

Bible Example...

The persistent widow in Luke 18. She kept coming.

Example from today...

A mother or grandmother who prayed for her child’s salvation for decades.

Don’t stop praying. Heaven hears. God is not slow. He is perfect in timing.

God's timing is PERFECT timing. He is always RIGHT ON TIME!

4. THE CONFIDENCE OF PRAYING HANDS

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 5:16b

Prayer works.

Not because of us, but because of who we are praying to!

Your hands, folded in humble prayer, can reach places your feet never will.

Like in the story of Elijah praying for rain (James 5:17-18). One man’s prayer changed a nation’s weather forecast!

Be confident.. not in yourself, but in YOUR God. He hears you when you pray for others.

5. THE CIRCLE OF PRAYING HANDS

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

James 5:16a

Prayer builds community. Unity. Sisterhood.

When women pray together, walls come down.

Healing happens... not just physical, but emotional and spiritual.

Command: We’re called to pray for others.

Compassion: We carry burdens.

Commitment: We keep going.

Confidence: We know God hears.

Circle: We don’t pray alone.

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…”

Job 42:10

Job’s own situation changed—when he prayed for others.

Will you be a woman of praying hands? Hands that comfort, that work, but MOST of all that pray?