“We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of the people for whom we pray.” Anon
“Intercession is the truly universal work for the Christian. No place is closed to intercessory prayer: no continent, no nation, no city, no organization, no office. No power on earth can keep intercession out.” Richard Halverson
The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is it that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us”. (Romans 8:34).
A wonderful model of intercessory prayer is found in Daniel 9. It has all the elements of true intercessory prayer. It is in response to the Word, characterized by fervency and self-denial, identified unselfishly with God’s people, strengthened by confession, dependent on God’s character and has as its goal God’s glory. (Source: Gotquestions.org)
This week, remember…..
- Those nearest and dearest to you
- Those in our church bulletin needing prayer.
- Those who are leaders in churches throughout our land and the world.
- Those who are persecuted for their faith.
- Those who serve on mission fields.
- Those who serve in hospitals and care for the wounded in the many ongoing wars.
- Those who are leaders in governments and local governments.
- Those who lead us in Ministry, and specially Ross and his family
- Those for whom you may have a special burden.