When you see a loved one struggling, you would do anything in your power to help them. You may feel powerless as you watch the trials and tribulations they go through in everyday life, especially if they're struggling with issues that seem to be out of their control. The good news: God has a way for you to step in, and that way is known as intercessory prayer.

Intercessory prayer, or praying for others, allows you to call on the love of Christ for all, even if that person is not yet a believer. Christ listens to us when we reach out through intercessory prayer on behalf of our loved ones, giving us a pathway toward helping them to peace.

It's up to you to decide whether to let your loved one know about the love of Christ for all, and the fact that you're praying for God to intercede in their situation. If they're someone who has shown an interest in God in the past, it may be well received and appreciated to tell them that you're praying for them. If you're not sure whether this time of sentiment would be welcome, it's ok to pray for them quietly. You don't need their permission to pray for them - simply letting God know that their troubles are on your mind, and that you want him to step in and create change in their life can go a long way toward helping them with their struggles.

As Christians, intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have when a loved one is fighting a hard battle. Even if your loved one is a believer and is also praying for their circumstances to change, adding to their plea to God through intercessory prayer is a wonderful way to show your support.

You want to do all that you can to help the people that you care about, and you don't have to try to figure it out alone. Reach out to your church family when a member of your family is struggling, and talk to them about placing the individual on a prayer list or prayer chain. If you're concerned about privacy, you never have to give the person's name - you can simply ask that the prayer network pray for your parent, child, loved one, etc., and you can be as specific or vague as you'd like to be regarding your concern. Take comfort in the fact that God knows exactly what they're facing, and will hear every prayer that you set into motion as a sign of support for the person you care about.