Head Dump: Prayer 7

Intercession.

Romans 8:34. NASB95.
34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

James 5:16. NASB95.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 Timothy 2:1-2. NASB95.
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Jesus intercedes for us; we are to pray (intercede) for each other; we are to make “entreaties and prayers” (intercession) for all men.

Jesus is our high priest, making intercession for us before the throne. We are called to participate with Him in that priestly ministry.

Frequently, we set up lists to remind us who to pray for. This creates and exercises a good habit. We become practiced in asking God to move in the life of others. We become attentive, trained to sense the nudge and leading of the Holy Spirit about how to pray for someone.

We talk about “the Lord laying someone on our heart” to pray for. For those who have “their senses trained to discern” this can be a common experience. It is thrilling, and humbling, to know that Jesus wants me to intercede, with Him, for someone specific.

And to take it one step further, I can ask Jesus who He is interceding for, who is on His heart to pray for, today.

With each step, I become a more active participant in the administration of the kingdom of God than I was before.