Do you believe in the power of prayer?
Recently our nation faced several hurricanes, including one named “Helene,” which took an unusual path toward the mountains of North Carolina after skirting the gulf coast of Florida. They were not prepared for the devastation it brought. Since I have many family members and friends living in both North Carolina and Florida, I prayed relentlessly for their safety, as well as for all the people in the states affected by this hurricane. I know countless churches and intercessors prayed as well because the forecasts from the meteorologists were alarming, and everyone was deeply concerned.
Another hurricane, named "Milton,” also became a significant threat as it climbed to a Category 5. One reporter said, “If you don’t leave the evacuation area, write your name in permanent marker on your arm so we can identify your body.” My heart was heavy, but I trusted in God’s will - His will be done. I am convinced that God intervened because it dropped from a Category 5 to a Category 3 just before making landfall on Florida’s west coast, and the eye of the hurricane completely collapsed. Many lives were spared - praise the Lord!
Intercessory Prayer
I believe in the power of prayer, especially intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of others in such a way that you are petitioning to God for the well-being, concerns, or needs of another person, place, or group. It is boldly approaching God in prayer, seeking the presence and hearing of God, on their behalf. This kind of prayer represents spiritual support and compassion for others.
1 Timothy 2:1, I urge you, first, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.
1 Timothy 2:5, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity- the man Christ Jesus.
We often find it easy to surrender our “personal” concerns to God in prayer, but when we look beyond ourselves, we realize there are many other people that could use our prayers as well. This is where intercessory prayer comes in. It is often referred to as “standing in the gap.” In the Bible, the most powerful example of intercessory prayer that we have is when Jesus petitions God on our behalf. The thought of Jesus standing in the gap for me...is overwhelming.
One such instance of this is found in Luke 22:31-32, where Jesus prays for Peter: Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers. Here, Jesus prays for Peter’s faith to remain strong, despite future challenges.
Another is found in John 17, where Jesus prays for His disciples and for all future believers, asking God to protect them, sanctify them, and make them one as He and the Father are one. It's a powerful blessing that Jesus prayed for their spiritual well-being and unity.
And again, and one of Jesus’ most well-known acts of intercession, is found in Luke 23:34, where, as He is being crucified, He prays for those who are executing Him, saying, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. It's profound that even in His suffering, Jesus asks God to forgive His persecutors.
Jesus’ role as an intercessor, continues today. In Roman’s 8:34, Paul writes, Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor as God’s right hand pleading for us. Similarly, in Hebrews 7:25, it says, Therefore He is able, once and forever to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
As I ponder the magnitude and privilege of being able to pray directly to our heavenly Father, I am forever grateful that Jesus is my intercessor. I pray that everyone accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior before He returns.
Sister in Christ,
Amy
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