What we do in our last hour or the last part of our life gives insight into who we are. I remember an older lady in our church who, in the latter part of her life, could not get out due to health reasons. Because of this, she transitioned into a fulltime intercessor, or prayer warrior. She brought hope to others through her prayers. There was no time to complain about her health for she was too busy building the Kingdom of God through her prayers. She was thankful and encouraging when I would visit her. Undoubtedly, God still had great plans for her in her old age and she was making a difference in the lives of others.
Intercession Lesson
I learned a powerful lesson from this lady about intercession. You see, the Lord can use me to make a difference in the life of others, no matter my circumstances. The power of prayer brings great hope to others. For this reason, think about how your prayers of intersession and how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
As Stephen was being stoned, He was concerned, not for himself, but for those who were persecuting him. Acts 7:59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. [1]
Stephen knew the power of prayer and was standing in the gap for those who were killing him. He wasn’t going to change their minds, but God could. Stephen knew the power of prayer which James talks about. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [2] James 5:16.
Why is Prayer so Great?
- Prayer helps you to focus on God. It helps you get to know him better. The psalmist said, “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (Psalm 105:4, NIV). When you pray, you “unplug” your mind from the television and CD player and “plug in” to God.
- Prayer is intimacy with God. When you pray, you discover what it means to be intimate with God. The Bible says that when Moses entered the tabernacle, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11, NIV). That is what happens in prayer. You become friends with God. He becomes a deep, intimate, personal friend who loves you unconditionally.
- Prayer is a vital weapon in making right choices. If you want to stop lying, pray; praying will add God’s power to your desire. If you want to be more loving toward your brother, pray; that will add God’s help to your good intentions. If you need more patience, more compassion, or more self-control, pray; prayer will add God’s energy to your efforts.
When we pray, God takes action! So, pray. Pray for yourself. Pray for your family. Pray for your friends. And watch God work. [3]
To hear more about Stephen, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-when-life-is-threatened
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] https://www.josh.org/daily-devo/the-power-of-prayer-3/?mwm_id=241874010218&mot=J79GNF&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvIT5BRCqARIsAAwwD-SrK7gAkj4CYdHy4c0edA-CcpB7ruAXdIREGSM77TKOVCk_YtTyhfQaAv_WEALw_wcB