A woman from my church said something on Sunday that’s still affecting my spirit. She read Ezekiel 22:30 in which God says, “I sought for a man among them who should…stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them.”
Then she used this text to refer to prayer, concluding that you or I may be the only one interceding on behalf of another. You or I may be the only one standing in the gap for that person or nation or situation. We may be the only ones standing between the rebellion and God’s holy judgment. Wow. That humbled me because I don’t always feel like praying.
Sometimes I feel like whining and pitching a fit on the floor instead of interceding. Can I get an “amen” from someone other than my four-year-old? But pitching a fit won’t accomplish much, except for proving to myself yet again that I’m desperate for Jesus.
As Jesus-followers, we’re in our particular relationships on purpose. We’re in our nation, neighborhood, and family on purpose. We’re where He has us that we might shine Him bright, not judge or condemn. Guilty. We’re where He has us that we might reflect Him by praying.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16
When He brings people and situations to mind, we can literally affect the outcome with our prayers. We can stir up the heavenlies with our intercessions. How amazing is that?
Practical Side-Note:
One way that I’ve tried to encourage this into our daily lives is with prayer sticks.* We wrote the names of those who sent us Christmas cards onto wooden sticks. Reason number 32 why I want you to send my family your beautiful picture. Then we put them in a jar on our kitchen table. Each morning (OK, not every morning but most mornings) we choose a stick and pray for that person or family throughout the day.
Fill me, Lord…
In everyday living, what keeps us from interceding?
Practically speaking, how can we overcome that obstacle?
*I’m also over at Inspired to Action today talking about “Crafting with Kids on Purpose.”
Love this. “As Jesus-followers, we’re in our particular relationships on purpose. We’re in our nation, neighborhood, and family on purpose. We’re where He has us that we might shine Him bright, not judge or condemn. “
Thank you! I have been interceding for a friend for a few years and I often get tired and weary. I had just asked God to make it very clear to me if I was to continue for this next season. Well, this is pretty clear, because I do know I may be the only one interceding………..
That’s. Amazing! God is so awesome to speak us!
Wonderfully humbling reminder…
That is so true. I meet with a Mother’s Love group from my church, and we take turns praying for each of the ladies throughout the week. And you can’t imagine what a blessing your prayers are doing for that person whether they know it or not. When you intercede for others our heavenly Father intercedes for us. Simply Awesome!
Love and pinned…