Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory Prayer (Mark 7:24-37) We are encouraged to pray generally (Matt. 7:7) We are encouraged to pray for others specifically (Job 16:21) “I commend intercessory prayer, because it opens man's soul, gives a healthy play to his sympathies, constrains him to feel that he is not everybody, and that this wide world and this great universe were not after all made that he might be its petty lord, that everything might bend to his will, and all creatures crouch at his feet." (Charles Spurgeon) God is astonished when we don’t avail ourselves of intercessory prayer (Isa. 59:16) Intercess: “To interpose in behalf of someone, as by pleading or petitioning.” (Webster’s Dictionary) Intercession requires a commitment of time Intercession presupposes a concern for the one appealed for If we truly love someone, we will pray for them "If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this lead us to prayer. Intercession is a way of loving others.” (Richard Foster, Prayer) Empathy precedes intercession, and awareness precedes empathy (Lam. 2:18-19) Do you make intercessory prayer for the “marginalized” or just for those familiar/close to you? Like the woman with the demonized child, “outsiders” have need of prayer too. Sometimes the greatest faith is found in the most unlikely place/people. Intercession presupposes the existence of a relationship with the one appealed to Intercessory prayer for others, benefits us (Job 42:10) We are encouraged to pray for other Christians (Joel 2:12-13, 17, Rom. 1:9, Eph. 6:18) Our prayers can be a source of strength and protection for other Christians (Eph. 3:14-21, Luke 22:31-32, John 17:15, Acts 12:5; Eph. 3:14-21, 2 Thess. 3:1-2) We are encouraged to pray for the physical & spiritual healing of other Christians (James 5:13-16) We can “join the struggle” and help “bear the burdens” (Gal. 6:2) of other Christians by praying on their behalf (Rom. 15:30-32) Our prayers can “liberate” other Christians (Acts 12:5-12)

Early Christians were “prayer warriors” (Col. 4: 12-13) We can offer intercessory prayer for non-Christians too Abraham interceded for Sodom & Gomorrah, appealing to God’s compassion (Gen. 18:16-33) We are encouraged to make intercessory prayer on behalf of our political leaders (1 Tim. 2 :1-2) We are encouraged to make intercessory prayer on behalf of our communities (Ps. 112:6; Jer. 29:7; Dan. 9:3, 16-19 We are assured that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16-18) Fervent/Earnest/Persistent/Zealous Prayer (1 Chron. 16:11, Zech. 8:20-21, Ps. 55:16-17, Isa. 62:6-7, Luke 11:9-13, 18:1-7, 1 Thes. 5:17) (Prayer that is continuous, unfailing, with serious intent and determination). The prayer of one acting in a righteous manner (2 Kings 20:1-6, Ps. 34:15, Prov. 15:8, Job 42:7-9, 1 Pe. 3:12) (Contrast: God does not hear the prayers of those willfully acting in a manner that offends Him (Jer. 7:16-18, see also Ps. 66:18) Intercessory Prayer may actually forestall judgment (Ex. 32:7-14, Deut. 9:8-9, 12-20, 23-27, Ps. 106:23, Ezek. 22:30-31) Intercessory prayer should be backed up with helpful acts "When you pray for your friends, be ready to lend a hand. Lip service does nothing for God." (Dennis Kean) It can be frustrating when we don’t seem to see immediate, positive results from our prayers "When we begin praying for others, we soon discover that it is easy to become discouraged at the results, which seem frustratingly slow and uneven. This is because we are entering the strange mix of divine influence and human autonomy." (Richard Foster, Prayer) God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we expect. Sometimes we don’t realize how God had answered our prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is a form of intercessory prayer (Matt: 6:9-13) Jesus is our chief intercessor/advocate (John 17:9-26, Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:31-39) "He prayed for His enemies, and you do not even pray for your friends." (Johann Arndt,, True Christianity).