Intercessory Prayer

June 4, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16

Something to Think About:

 

~ Have you ever sensed that someone is praying for you?

 

~Who are you praying for right now, and why?

 

~Do you believe that your faith and prayers can make a difference in the life of someone else?

 

     We are called to extend our faith and pray on behalf of others. When a believing person prays – great things happen.

 

     Christ’s death on the cross, made it possible for you to go directly to the throne of God for any need you have.

 

     Your most powerful resource with Christ is communion with God through prayer. Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails, but this is backwards. Prayer should come first. Since God’s power is infinitely greater than your own, it only makes sense to rely on it. The results are often greater than you thought were possible..

 

     Through Christ, you have been given the resource to heal: “is any one of your sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” James 5:14-15

 

     Intercessory prayer is when you add your faith on top of, or in place of, another person’s faith. Maybe they have fallen into a ditch of depression or a snare of sin and their faith is weak – or non-existent. Whatever the case, one of the greatest ways you can express love and support to someone is when you ask God to act on their behalf – for healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace – whatever their concern. There is nothing you can’t bring to God’s throne- nothing!  He will honor your faith through the Holy Spirit and impress your prayers on that person’s heart. When someone’s praying for you, it’s hard not to feel it in your spirit.

 

     Another incredible promise is that the Holy Spirit prays on your behalf, beyond your own understanding of your needs “…We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us, with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-27, and Jesus is your intercessor who constantly speaks to God, the Father on your behalf “… 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

 

     Do you have a special need in your life right now? Maybe you’ve got a huge decision to make? A physical ailment? Money issues? Problems with your child or spouse? Whatever your need, gather a small trusted group of friends to unite with you in prayer. Provide them with specific ways that they can agree with you in prayer – then watch the horizon - a miracle is on its way!

 

God Will…

 

Hear your prayers – “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:14 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their payer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

 

Reward persistence and prayer – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

 

Build up His people – “The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways.” Deuteronomy 28:9

 

Be among those gathered in His name – “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

 

     Whatever your need – or the need of your loved one – be assured that your faith united with the faith of others creates a supernatural measure of miracles!

 

I Thank You Father that even right now, the Holy Spirit is expressing to You the needs of my heart and my life. I Thank You that Jesus Christ has interceded with You for the forgiveness of my sins and Your perfect plan for my life. I love you Lord and I praise You for the gift of prayer You have given me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

IN GOD WE TRUST!

 

It's been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. Then why is there such a debate about having "In God We Trust" on our money, and the word, "God",  in the pledge of Allegiance ? Could it be that WE just need to take action and tell the 14% to "sit down and shut up"?