Interceding on the behalf of others. It's part of our work as Christians. Maybe you struggle to know your purpose or function as a follower of Christ. You can start here, praying for people you know, situations you hear about, events or people you see in the news....intercession. While some people are called to specialize in intercession, spending hours and hours a week, all of us are called to be a part of this discipline, to pray on a daily basis for the things and people God places on our heart. Mom wrote this short passage on this in her journal that I share with you now. She realized that intercessory pray was a battle and we needed to be prepared. Pray will meet with resistance.
Put on the armor of God, be prepared for battle with unseen satanic forces. Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It is a battle. Our prayers need to be sustained by the Holy Spirit, prayed in the Spirit. Confess any known sin and pray for others.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Remember, when we pray that in all situations God is is our shelter. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
From me.
Prayer is essential to the Christian life. Jesus prayed regularly, He prayed for His disciples, He prayed for us. Paul prayed for the church and asked the churches to pray for him. The prayers of the Old Testament saints are scattered throughout that entire portion of the Bible. No follower of God walks without prayer. I pray for you, my readers, and I ask that you would pray for me also.
Intercessory prayer is specific to carrying the burdens of others to the throne of God. Sometimes it is the best and only thing you can do for someone who is hurting. Many times the answers are not instant, or what we would like. Along with prayer needs to be persistence, trust, and letting God be God. Let the Holy Spirit lead, He knows what to pray even when we don't. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Lord, show us where to intercede. Holy Spirit teach us the power and vocation of intercession. Our families need You, our friends, our neighborhoods,the world needs You. Your children are persecuted for Your Name, they need the strength our prayers can offer. Give us soft hearts and calloused knees! Lord, I bring those reading this before You now. I pray that You would work in their lives. You know each one, You know each of their needs, their hearts and I pray that Your perfect will be done in each circumstances, in every hardship. Wrap them in Your care. Let them know You are with them and at work. Give peace where there is pain, healing where there is destruction, and joy in the sadness. Uplift the heads of those who are "here" now. I thank You that You desire us to work with You in this way. I thank You that You answer prayer. I praise You that You are always good and always act or don't act out of a heart of kindness and love. Increase our faith. To You alone Lord, be all the glory. In Jesus most beautiful Name. Amen.
Start a prayer journal today! Start your journey into intercession.
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