Text: Nehemiah 1, John 17, Romans 12:12
I’ve discovered something that continues to surprise me: the power of a gaze. In the line at the supermarket, at lunch with a friend, passing a street corner – my level of interaction is determined by where I cast my gaze. If I dare to look you in the eye, an invisible line is breached. I step out of my world and enter yours. Venturing out of myself, though uncomfortable, makes life richer, helps me see the whole of it.
So it is with prayer. The word “intercede” means to intervene on another’s behalf, and in prayer it simply means this: going to the Father in the name of another. To intercede means seeing another’s need and carrying it to the King of Kings.
In Nehemiah 1, we see a man broken for his Brothers and Sisters. Upon hearing news that a city and people he loves are in danger, Nehemiah weeps. “As soon as I heard these words,” he writes, “I sat down and wept and mourned for days.” (v. 4) Nehemiah fasts and prays and pleads to God on behalf of the people of Jerusalem. As I read of his reaction, I can’t help but ask, When was the last time I allowed intercession to interrupt my life, laid my agenda aside to enter into another’s struggle? The answer is humbling at best.
When Nehemiah carries Jerusalem’s woes to the Lord, it looks like this: he affirms God’s glory and steadfast love, he petitions for God to hear his prayer, he acknowledges his own sin and the sin of the people, and he reminds God of His promises. Yes, Nehemiah speaks back to God the covenant that God Himself made. Essentially, he calls God out. He says, “You said you would do this for Israel and you did it. Now, O faithful Lord, continue to do what you said you would do.” (v.8-11, my very loose paraphrase)
In John 17, we see that Christ Himself likewise intercedes for His followers. He prays not for their comfort, happiness or prosperity, but for something grander. He prays for unity. He prays that they will abide in the Father. He prays for their sanctification in the truth and that they will one day be with Him in Glory. Amen, right?
Sisters, let’s soak in these examples of intercessory prayer today. Let’s cling hard to God and His promises, for ourselves and for each other. Let’s dare to look one another in the eye, step out of ourselves and pray in the fullness of the Kingdom.
Praying for others is something I have done , but now see its needed to pray for every being. I may not know all the scriptures to pray with , however I know GOD earnestly will do the rest as he see's my heart. I very sad about the state if our world. However God has already told us " HE IS GOD ! " Psalm 46
Intercessory prayer is something that I have been pondering quite a bit lately. In fact, the thing that started me thinking about it was Jesus' prayer in the Garden prior to His betrayal. Obviously, in that prayer Jesus was praying about His circumstances, but it made me really consider how I pray for myself and others. Just how often I attempt to tell God what to do-how to handle this situation.
I was excited when I saw that part of our reading today was Romans 12:12. This is probably my all-time favourite verse. I just posted about it 2 days ago on scripturesquegraphics.com. I have never really considered this verse as it relates to intercessory prayer. As I think about it now in the context of all that we read today it changes my focus. I have to think about the scope of my vision as I stay in constant contact with God. Obviously, that vision includes people that need prayer and hope and patience. I love how God's word never ends in it's complexity.
Over the last two years I have learned so much about intercessory prayer and have become much stronger in being able to pray for others. God even stretched me by having me become an alter worker at my church for a while. It is one thing to pray for people individually, but to pray for them in the moment as they come to the alter… It was an amazing experience that taught me so much. I love praying for others!
In reference to the conversation going about fasting, I agree with Candicejo. Fasting is about changing our focus to God and is not about showing the world just how strong you can be. I did a personal study on fasting to learn more about it because I was confused about the different types of fasting and I struggled when I did them. I learned so much and now I enjoy fasting. It allows me to focus on God and realign myself when needed. In conjunction with intercessory prayer it can be powerful.
Hi, I didn't intend to post this here this morning…I am trying to set up a blog with fumbling fingers and foggy brain and do Not have a handle on it. But the scripture this morning prompted me to adapt Nehemiah's prayer for today and since blog efforts look strange, I am sharing it here. Writing prayers from scripture helps me focus on God's word, will, and ways.
“ Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel,the people of the USA, your people in every country of this world, your creation. We (I) am not worthy, but by your blood on the cross, your love makes us (me) yours. I confess the sins we ..in every corner of your world, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. . . We have sinned, I have sinned, but we long to be gathered from . . . all the places, states of mind, rabbit trails I have chased down, from the brink of my own, our own destruction and brought home again to the center of your will so I and all believers now and for those yet to believe can be worthy dwellings for your Spirit.
We are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting favor in the presence of all so that your will may be accomplished in this world that we (I) might see where the work you are doing is happening and join you in Kingsom Building.” April 11, 2013 Prayer adapted from (Nehemiah 1:5-11 NIV)
Nicole, I love your idea about finding verses that apply to your prayers for people. My husband and I just started reading together "the secrets of Intercessory Prayer" by jack hayford, and I have been really making an effort this week to pray for all that I can think of. It can be very revolutionary!
That's awesome. I might have to check out that book. Intercessory prayer has been a big part of my life lately. Thanks for sharing!
Amy i have always been taught that fasting was a time to get our focus off of oursleves and on to God.,it breaks down the yoke of bondage and helps the Spirit to gain control of the flesh
. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6, 7 ASV)
It doesn't change God, it changes YOU! Jesus said after His death it would be appropriate for His followers to fast. "And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast." (Matthew 9:15 ASV)
Fasting is to produce a transformation in us, to help us get a more clear and more focused dependence on Him. It is to be done with humility and privately unless it is a group fast of course.
It breaks strongholds, looses the bands of wickedness, and will undo heavy burden and set the oppressed free! It will break every hold the enemy has! It is an important way to get victory over a difficult situation that isn't responding to "normal" prayer. "But this kind goeth not out save by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:21 ASV)
That's just a few of the benefits, I'm sure others will add to it!
Great lesson today, love all the comments! Thankful for the intercessors in my life and want to be SENSITIVE to the needs of others!
Thank you!! That makes so much sense!
Today's study has been really helpful for me. I have felt that my intercessory prayer life was always lacking. I think I was making it to difficult. Wanting to pray perfectly. Fearing I would offend God by not having the right words when praying on behalf of others. Thank you SRT for sharing this insight into prayer!
Reading this morning's devotion about intercession, I have such a strong feeling, overwhelming to the point of tears, to pray for a dear friend. She is about 6 weeks pregnant for the third time – the first two times were miscarriages, one at 8 weeks, the other at 12. You don't have to reply, but would you please lift her up with me? Her name is Sara.
Thank you sisters, Have a blessed day!