Message #11 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Intercession - Our Responsibility"

by Kaye Johns

Yes, as Christians, we are all to pray for others. Paul writes in 1 Timothy, "I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...." [1 Timothy 2:1]

This is possible because we are united with Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6 we read, "But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." [1 Corinthians 6:17] And in 2 Peter, "...he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature...." [2 Peter 1:4]

A significant aspect of the divine nature of Christ is that He is our Intercessor. In Romans, Paul tells us: "Christ Jesus...is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." [Romans 8:34] And we know that it is God’s will that we be "conformed to the likeness of his son." [Romans 8:29]

So if God wants us to be like Jesus, and if Jesus is the Great Intercessor, isn’t this a role we should willingly accept? We’re tempted to think that God calls certain people to be intercessors, but Paul’s instruction to Timothy is for the whole church, not a chosen few. And in Ephesians, he speaks just as plainly, telling the church to "always keep praying for all the saints." [Ephesians 6:18] Some may be called to deeper, more committed ministries of intercession--but we are all called to pray for others. The question is, do we? How serious, how committed is our effort?

Pray with me now -- Lord, teach us to pray, and give us Your desire to intercede, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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