Intercessory prayer1

Offering intercessory prayer means nothing other than Christians bringing one another into the presence of God, seeing each other under the cross of Jesus as poor human beings and sinners in need of grace. Then, everything about other people that repels me falls away. Then I see them in all their need, hardship, and distress. Their need and their sin become so heavy and oppressive to me that I feel as if they were my own, and I can do nothing else but bid: Lord, you yourself, you alone, deal with them according to your firmness and your goodness.

Biblical Wisdom

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

James 5:15-16…Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Questions to Ponder

How does seeing others under the cross of Jesus Christ cause all that "repels me" about them to fall away?

In what way is everyone equal under the cross?

How does looking at other people through the lens of God's mercy change our feelings about them and about ourselves?

Psalm Fragment

Psalm 72:2-4

Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly.… May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful.… Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.

Journal Reflections

Make a list of the people whom you would like to bring into the presence of God today.

Write a line or two describing the nature of your relationship with each of these people.

Intercessions

For each person listed in your journal today, pray: Lord, you yourself, you alone, deal with (name) according to your firmness and your goodness.

Prayer for Today

Forgiving and transforming God, thank you that under the cross of Christ we all stand equally together under your love and mercy.