I struggled with intercessory prayer, and usually feel pretty guilty that I'm not doing more.
Yes, I know certain Christians have a distinct gift, or calling, for intercession. But deep down, I always felt that was a bit of an excuse, at least for me.
It hit me today, like a bolt out of the blue. Love is the missing ingredient to intercessory prayer!
I was praying...pleading, really, on behalf of my son...heartfelt, emotional prayers based on the Word. And I realized that intercession comes naturally for those we love. Love never wants to see the loved one in pain, or hurt, or disappointed in any way.
The problem with general intercession is we just don't love enough. If we loved the troubled kid down the block like we love our sons and daughters, his hurts and problems would move us to prayer in an instant.
Love. God is Love, and we are created in His image, filled with His Spirit.
That's why He was so surprised to find no one interceding for justice.
'And He saw there was no man, and was astonished that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.' [Isaiah 59:16,17]
Since He is Love and He created man in His own image, I guess He was shocked at how little we really love. So He came Himself, wrapped in zeal! And it sounds like He was pretty mad...read Psalm 18:6-16!
Now, the resurrected Christ lives to intercedes for us always!
'Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He ALWAYS lives to make intercession for them.' [Hebrews 7:25]
So if you want to intercede for others, add the missing ingredient. See them as your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters...your mothers and fathers and dearest friends.
Love them as thought they were your own.
And intercede by faith, because faith works by or through love.
Hallelujah!
