Victory In Christ

Many know that I have been called by the Lord to be an intercessor, yet in the Bible, there is no command or gift to be an intercessor or to intercede in prayer for people’s needs. Why is that when even in Luke Jesus taught that “All men (people) everywhere ought ALWAYS to pray.” (Luke 18:1).  Many of my friends describe themselves as intercessors. My mother was one, yet every believer is called of God to pray. I don’t say this to shame or judge people, but to encourage them of the benefits of communing with God in prayer daily for the needs of family, friends, governments, the nation of Israel, and the peace of Jerusalem. 

Prayer is not a one way proposition where we simply ask God to do something. Yes, we lay our petitions before the Lord, as we are taught in the Word; but we also take time to listen to what the Holy Spirit impresses on our hearts. Communion with God, fellowship with Him through prayer, meditation, and waiting for Him. For me it is quite rewarding just to be in the presence of God.  First Thessalonians 5:17 reads: “Pray without ceasing.”  This to me means that I need to be disciplined in my mind and in daily activities to keep my focus on the Lord, to praise Him and rejoice because of my relationship with my God. Then in Matthew we learn to pray privately: Jesus taught, “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men … but when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father Who is unseen” (Matthew 6:5-6).  And when we pray in secret, we are promised that God will reward us openly. I thank God for these loving and encouraging instructions.