The Qualification of Intercession
One of the hardest things for us to do is to stop thinking about our own needs and focus on others. This is why one of most rewarding experiences is to play a part in someone’s betterment. The highest calling of an other’s-focused life, in my opinion, is to the ministry of standing in the gap, the ministry of intercession.
In Mark Batterson’s book, The Circle Maker, he tells the story of Honi, the 1st Century Jewish scholar, who, during a time of drought, drew a circle in the sand around himself, and in prayer, told God that he would not move until it rained. This legendary example of prayer illustrates the power of someone willing to stand in the gap.
One of my favorite examples of Old Testament Intercession is Abraham standing in the gap for Lot, his nephew. God intended to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, the twin cities where Lot’s family lived, but He heard Abraham’s prayer and agreed to spare it if 10 righteous souls were found within the cities. We don’t know how emotional Abraham was during this Intercession. We only know the exchange between he and God. We also know that the power of Abraham’s ability to change God’s mind was based on his relationship with God. He was the friend of God, not just a friend, THE friend (James 2:23).
The problem is, we often turn to emotional appeals to God during times of great stress. I’m not suggesting that He will not respond to our needs. I’m suggesting that it cannot be called true Intercession unless there is relationship. Over and over again, the people who moved the heart of God were chosen people who made God their primary focus (Psalm 106:23; Acts 8:24).
What made prayer warriors like Honi and Abraham powerful was not some unique ability, not some special quality that no one else possessed. It was a decision to attend to God daily. It was their sacrificial prayer. It was their love for God and their love for people.
We don’t need to be special to move God. We’ve already been chosen by God. Now it’s time to be faithful (Rev. 17:14). Make a daily commitment to seek God. Not His stuff, Him. We can see miracles if we are willing to stand in the gap. Think about someone you can pray for. Take them to God in Intercession. God promises that He will hear us.
Thank you for your interest in Verbal Bean Ministries. Please visit our website at: www.VerbalBean.com, or email us at: VerbalBeanMinistries@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or stories.
References
Patterson, Mark. (2011). The Circle Maker Zondervan