Intercession

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Lake Stockton -- a favorite place for prayer retreats. 


Scripture

Romans 15:30

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf.

Observation

In humility, Paul asks the believers in Rome to intercede for him. He has shared his concerns, his burdens, and his travel plans. Fully aware that he cannot accomplish this mission in his own strength, he asks them to join him in earnest prayer.

That phrase—earnest prayer—captures my attention. It suggests something far deeper than simply saying, "I'll pray for you." Paul knows the journey ahead will be difficult. He needs believers who will genuinely carry him before the Lord.

History tells us that he was right. The road to Rome was dangerous. He would eventually arrive there—not as a free man, but as a prisoner. Yet before the journey ever began, Paul recognized that it had to be covered in prayer.

Application

There is so much about prayer that remains a mystery. Jesus regularly withdrew to spend time alone with the Father. Paul, despite all of his gifts and calling, depended upon the prayers of others.

What especially strikes me is the Trinitarian language of this verse. Paul appeals to them by the Lord Jesus Christ, by the love of the Spirit, and directs their prayers to God. Prayer is an invitation into the very life of the Triune God. The God who exists in an eternal relationship of holy love welcomes us into that communion through prayer.

Perhaps that is why prayer is never meant to be merely an individual act. If God works in perfect community, then His people are also called to live and serve in community. We carry one another before the Lord. We rejoice together, we grieve together, and we intercede for one another.

Over the years, I have come to believe that much of prayer is intercession on behalf of others. It is a self-giving investment of time and love for those whom God has placed in our lives. Sometimes we pray for family and friends. Sometimes we pray for those who are suffering. Sometimes we even pray for those who have wounded us.

That is earnest prayer.

The Lord has blessed me with an incredible group of people who faithfully pray for me and for the mission He has entrusted to me. I honestly do not know what I would do without them. They have taught me more about prayer than they probably realize.

I've often thought that prayer is better caught than taught. We learn to pray by praying with people who know how to pray. If God has called you to be an intercessor, invite someone else into that holy work. Let them see what it means to carry others faithfully before the throne of grace.

There is still so much for me to learn. Yet I am grateful that the Lord patiently continues to invite me into the sacred work of intercession.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for inviting me into the holy work of intercession. Continue to shape my heart, teach me to pray faithfully for others, and draw me ever deeper into Your presence. Amen.

 

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