Ps:116:3: The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Their prayer life was instrumental in becoming the vehicle of favor with God.  These men attained such a height of love and compassion from the Lord by their earnest altar of Sacrifice that they were not allowed to suffer the "pains of death".

The Lord loves communication just as we who are framed in His image do.  It was this sincere love and conversation in prayer, sunning the things of this world, which brought these men such glorious goodwill and translation.  We can too receive rich reward if we live life in the Spirit through prayer.


Rom:8 26: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27: And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Jesus lives to make intercession for us, and we must follow his ministerial example.  Ministry is for the salvation of God's people, else would there be no cause for ministry.  We must use our time and efforts to secure salvation for others and us.  We are servants just as Jesus girded on the towel during the last supper to wash the feet of his Apostles.  Our success lies in how well we serve in true faithfulness and in life through the Spirit. 

Intercessory Prayer is a prayer for those other than the one praying.  In a sense, one would put the sacrifice on the altar for those in need of natural and spiritual cures. 

This type of prayer can also, in many cases include travail. We must give sacrificially in prayer for others.  Our live must be a living sacrifice, and what more powerful than the fruit of our lips before God that gives purpose to the lives of men He died to save.

Gal:4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,