Have you ever had someone who prayed for you consistently? Someone who interceded on your behalf with strong faith and the power of God's promises? If so, then you know what a gift it is to be the recipient of such prayers.
Prayers like that allow God to move in our lives in unexpected and wonderful ways. We find ourselves being drawn towards God, our attitudes and desires shifting away from this world. Blessings we don't deserve come our way, and challenges resolve with less friction. Intercessory prayer is not a ticket to an easy life. Instead, it opens the door for God to walk with us through "valley of the shadow of death" and "goodness and mercy" to "follow" us "all the days of our lives" (Psalm 23:4,6).
Praying for our family members truly is the most valuable gift that we can give them.