10/28/13- The Need to Intercede

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

Thoughts: 
Christ intercedes for us (Heb. 7:25) - the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26).  But we are also called to intercede for one another (Eph. 6:18; Jas. 5:16 et al.).  Christ and the Spirit help us to pray to the Father, so if our words do not seem eloquent or proper, we do not need to worry.  There is grace in prayer.  But to focus our minds and our prayers on others is important in order that we may grow in love for each other and in order to grow in our love for God.  The language of prayer is not Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English or Russian.  It is the language of love from the heart.  Prayer comes from the heart and soul of a person directed to the heart and soul of God.
     We are to pray for everyone- on every kind of occasion.  So when we read of an earthquake/fire/ tornado/cyclone/hurricane/terrorist attack/war/plague/famine- we do not simply worry or weep- we should use this occasion to pray for those in need.  In our day the news travels quickly so prayers can go up quicker still.
    But we are especially to pray for "the saints" or all the Lord's people.  This is our family, and we should not neglect them.  Pray for their joys- when a baby is born, or a wedding occurs, or a blessing is seen.  Pray for their sorrows- when there is a sickness or a hurt.  Praying allows us to share in their joy and sorrow- and helps us to care for them- in our hearts- but also to care for them by lifting them up to the Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who have interceded for me in my times of joy and sorrow.  Help me to care for those going through the transitions, pains, and joys of life.  Keep me focused on prayer, you, and others. 

Practical tips: Use a church directory (a pictorial directory is better) to pray for people by name.  Keep a list of your intercessions for others.  Send out a card saying you prayed for someone- to encourage them.