Intercessory Prayer

MIDWEEK REFLECTION    

 Wednesday, July 10, 2013

By Rev Cathy

”Intercessory Prayer”

Habakkuk 2:1-2

 

Fourth in a Series on Prayer—Oswald Chambers

“Stand on the watch and wait to see God’s response.”

Oswald Chambers states, “There is a difference in the prayers of the Old and the New Testaments. Habakkuk 3 (OT) shows that prayer is based on the character of God and appeals to God’s great mercies.  The prayers in the OT also have to do with an earthly people in an earthly setting. In the New Testament, prayer is based on a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  “Our Father—“ (Luke 11:2). These prayers also have to do with a heavenly state of mind in a heavenly people while on this earth.

Because of the difference in prayer presented in the Old and New Testament there might be some confusion as to what is involved in these types of prayer especially for today’s faithful people. We have a relationship with God through Jesus and in this hurry up and go society, watching and waiting are difficult for us. We wait for God’s answer to prayer sometimes and when prayers are not answered as we would like them to be or in our time we often turn away from God and Jesus as well as the church. Through faith however,  we need to believe that all prayers are answered but in God’s time because God knows the bigger picture of our lives unfolding in the midst of our current situations.

Intercessory prayer is asking God on behalf of others and yourself to act, respond and do something which will bring about change. Just and pause the reflect about the devastations that occur all around the world many of which cause people to turn away from God and question his existence and love for all his creation. As faithful followers and believers we must ask the question, what are we doing about sharing God’s message of love?  Are we praying for changes or asking God to bring love and hope in new forms and ways? When we pray are we really watching what is happening in our world, praying for change and waiting for God’s response? Or are we merely mouthing words with a little bit of anticipation. What if God is really calling you to bring about the changes- are you willing? If God came to you tonight, would you say, “Here I am? Or Sending someone else, please!”

           

Quotes from  Oswald Chambers “If You Will Ask: ch 4 The Curriculum of Intercession

PRAYER

Wonder filled God, of mercy and Father of our Saviour Jesus, we praise you and we ask that you would hear our prayers and to wait your response. We are watching your world and we see many changes--some good some not so good. You are aware of all things and know each of us through and through. Enable us to wait upon you for your response as we pray on behalf of the needs of others and on our behalf as well. God help us we pray to know you and to love you. Hear our prayers. Amen.

 BLOG QUESTION:

When you pray do you pray for others? For whom do you pray—those known to you, unknown to you, those whose stories fill news headlines or those quietly and faithfully living their lives. Do you believe that your prayers make a difference in the lives of others?