In my almost 27 years of priesthood (May 31), I have often been blessed by people thanking me for my prayers for them or their loved one.  By asking me to pray for them or someone else, they recognized the power of intercessory prayer. Such prayer is a good and healthy part of a growing prayer life that includes prayers of praise, thanks, contrition and meditation.  I recently have benefited from the prayers of those who found out I had shingles on my forehead.  I thank those who lifted me up to the Lord.  I truly believe that with the help of those prayers, my sickness was short lived and devoid of much pain or itching.  To be on the receiving end of intercessory prayer strengthens me in the call to intercessory prayer to others.

Please don't hesitate to ask for prayers from others when there is sickness and/or other needs.  Also, be quick to offer to pray for others who are in need and DO IT.  You will continually see the hand of the Lord working in some wonderful ways.