Devotion to Intercessory Prayer
We are continuing our Fervent Week of Prayer by taking a look at intercession. This type of prayer is distinguished as a request, plea, or appeal on behalf of someone else. At times this type of prayer may come very easily to us, especially if we are praying on behalf of someone that we care for deeply. We are often moved to intercessory prayer in times of need, or out of compassion and sympathy. However, throughout Scripture we are commanded to intercede for others that may not be close to us, and this is when we need to engage in the devotion to intercession.
One area that takes such devotion is to pray for people that may not readily come to our minds. In Ephesians 6, after the description of the armor of God, Paul instructs the church to intercede for all the saints, and especially for him (and by inference others that preach) to be bold (Eph 6:10-19). In 1 Peter 5, Peter calls all Christians to be alert and resist the schemes of the devil through prayer and trusting in God. He also reminds us that all of our fellow believers are in the same battle (1 Peter 5:6-9). Certainly a worthy topic of intercession as we seek to pray for our fellow Christians. Some practical suggestions would be to pray for those in your small group, your neighbors, a list of people in your church, or for those in other countries. The leadership and staff of Mercy Hill, certainly appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
A second area of devotion to intercession is praying for those that we may not want or feel like praying for. Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us (Matt 5:44) Paul instructs Timothy and the church to pray for political leaders and authorities over the nation.
A third, but not certainly not final, area of devotion would be to pray for those that “The god of this age has blinded, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor 4:4 )”
Please join us this week in devotion to praying for the needs of others, both those that are close to us, and those who are far. Pray for the elders of the church to have wisdom and guidance, and for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts and minds of the congregation as he is faithful to complete the work he has begun in us (Php 1:6).