When I asked you to join me in praying for Afghanistan and Haiti, I asked you as a child of God, to intercede for others. I hear people say they don't think they "have a direct line" to God. If you are a child of God, you have a direct connection. Ezekiel 22: 30, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”
God wants His people to intercede for others. To intercede is to intervene on behalf of another. This invitation is a privilege for all Christians to serve through intercessory prayer. In Philippians, Paul reminds us we are to put others' needs ahead of our own. As we pray for others' relief and share their burdens, our burdens will seem lighter. We are all equipped to be prayer warriors. As children of God, we possess power and a direct connection to God. Whether we whisper, scream or cry out, our Father hears us. We have opportunities to offer up prayers on behalf of family, friends, neighbors, government officials, and our nation. We do not have to be eloquent, just loving and honest, trusting God hears and God answers.
Scripture tells us that when we say prayers of intercession, we are building bridges between God and the people for whom we pray. 1 Timothy 2:1–2, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Building a bridge is deliberate action. Jesus still intercedes for us with God. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us also, helping give us peace. Now we can intercede for others and this demonstrates our love for others. We seek God's best for others - even for our enemies. When we intercede for others we are not just asking God to patch things up for them. We are praying for God's best for their life, things we cannot even imagine.
As prayer warriors, I invite you to continue to pray with me for Afghanistan and Haiti. There is power in numbers and power in prayer. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
"The greatest gifts we can give to each other is to pray for one another." John 14: 14, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." There is power in the name of Jesus. Pray in the power of His name. Matthew 21: 22, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Pray it and claim it in Jesus' name. Amen!
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