In the first place, praying for others can only happily follow in a heart at rest about itself, and knowing in itself the value of the desires it expresses for another. It could not be true or happy in praying otherwise.
Secondly, if I am praying for another, according to the will of God, and in current with the Spirit, I must receive from, association, fellowship with the Spirit, the effect and influence of His society. It is not whether my prayer is successful, but I have been in company with the Spirit of Christ in the prayer, and my own soul is invigorated by the very passage of His thought through my mind.
I cannot have His desire for another awaked in me, but by His Spirit, and this true spiritual desire will be accomplished according to God—that is, according to His mind, not after man’s judgment. Therefore when a simple, spiritual desire is awakened, and occupies your heart, touching any of His people, you may rest assured that God will effectuate it in some way, but in a way manifestly of Himself.