Spiritual Discipline // INTERCESSION
By Isaac Hovet
To intercede in prayer is to bring other people, dynamics and cares before the Lord. Of course we can intercede for ourselves, but the Spirit of God will always be leading us to pray for others. Read what Jesus is doing for us:
24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:24–25 (NLT)
Last week we had people be baptized and I taught that a part of what baptism signifies is that Jesus has stood up for us. This scripture suggests that Jesus continually standing up for us. We are being considered by Jesus right now. He is praying for you and his prayers are prayers of intercession.
The life of the Jesus follower matures into considering others and their needs. We are each prone to mostly consider our own lives and needs, but we should expect to grow and mature into people who “think of others more highly than themselves…” (Philippians 2).
APPLICATION
Through the Spring quarter of our Community Groups, we will be focusing on this Spiritual Discipline of intercession. Here is what you can do to get started:
- Recall the ONE person you are praying for (Remember the 52 day challenge?).
- Check in with that person and ask them HOW you can continue to pray. Remind them of what you have been praying for a take note of any answers to prayer or other breakthroughs.
- Schedule a few minutes every day (literally in your calendar) to intercede.
Today, be confident that you are being prayed for. Jesus is praying for you and as you make more and more connections in the Body of Christ, more and more people will be interceding for you. What a lovely thought!