11/07/2017
Who will I come into contact with today? Is there some chance happening that isn’t quite as chance as it might seem, and that the Lord will orchestrate for His purposes? There are many intercessions that occur during what we think are less than significant meetings.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 KJV
We seek out, and read scriptures such as this when there are happenings in our own lives that are less than optimal, but have you ever considered yourself to be one of those good things that God has placed into the life of another? Has it ever occurred to you that you might not be just any old good thing, but the very spark that brings Christian enlightenment into the life of a lost soul? Let’s read as Oswald Chambers writes of how we are meant to change the world through these “Chance” encounters...
“Your part in intercessory prayer is not to enter into the agony of intercession, but to utilize the common-sense circumstances God puts you in, and the common-sense people He puts you amongst by His providence, to bring them before God’s throne and give the Spirit in you a chance to intercede for them. In this way God is going to sweep the whole world with His saints.” - Oswald Chambers
I am a member of a three man intercessory prayer team in my church. We make ourselves available to all who need prayer each Sunday morning at the altar, just before the sermon, and every Monday night in a dedicated room from 6 until 8. These are our official times of prayer, but we also receive calls throughout the week when someone is in need of immediate prayer. All of this is part and parcel to what we do every week, and although, at over 2 years, I am relatively new to this team, these prayers have been ongoing for over 35 years. However, you and I are also members of another intercessory team that has been in existence since the Garden of Eden.
Every waking moment we are placed into situations and positions in which God desires us to pray. He brings people into our lives, and inserts us into situations in our day when He means for us to intercede in prayer. It may be a child at the breakfast table that confides in us that they are facing a trial at school, a workmate that we see is having difficulty with an illness or family problem, or perhaps a homeless man sitting on the curb who could use a warm meal and to hear about the saving grace of God.
Last night was Monday night prayer. I arrived before the others, and as I sat there waiting, I began to pray over the room and our upcoming evening. Then when I concluded, I sat back in my chair and thought about all of the thousands of prayers that had been offered up in this place. I remembered those who had come here during my tenure, and the amazing healings, and other works of God that I had been privileged to watch as we prayed for those in need and called out in the name of Jesus Christ.
Later, as I drove home it occurred to me that although I pray in a valuable, and important manner during my role on the intercessory prayer team, that I had been praying for others most of my life. Sometimes I would pray for someone as we stood together and I laid my hand upon their shoulder, sometimes in groups before games or meetings, but many times I prayed for others without their even knowing it. It dawned on me that all those people, circumstances, and things which touched my heart also touched the heart of God. We are meant to intercede and bring needs and concerns before the Throne of God each and every day.
Are you doing this every day? When you hear of over two dozen people killed in a Texas church by some deranged gunman are you saying to yourself “How horrible. I hope they catch him!” or are you going immediately to the Lord in prayer for the souls of the dead, and the suffering of the living? When an acquaintance comes to you expressing their grief and how disturbed they are by such events, are you saying “yes, that is really tragic”, or do you respond “let’s pray for those people and families right now.” Our prayers on the behalf of others are powerful; they bring healing and comfort to those who might never hear your words, and they settle and heal your spirit as well.
Since I have begun to pray for those at work I have been approached time and time again by people there who need prayer. Just because a person appears to be alright, it doesn’t mean they are. Some of the most urgent requests for prayer come from those you would least expect to have a problem. I always conclude such prayers by asking the Lord to move in the life of the requester, and the conversations regarding faith that follow such prayers are precious. People want, and need, to talk about salvation and Jesus Christ. They just don’t know how to begin the conversation... prayer gives them relief from whatever God has placed in their life, or that troubles them, and the conversation begins with your prayer for them.
Never discount the opportunities you have to pray, or underestimate the impact you have in the small and seemingly insignificant prayers you offer for another. Every interaction with God is significant, and each time we pray with someone who comes to us, or needs help in reaching out to the Father, presents an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to act upon that life. In this way we are used, and the kingdom of God is increased.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the prayers you give me the opportunity to pray for others. I thank you for allowing me to lay hands on a hurting soul, and lift them up to you. I pray Father that you will continue to use me in this way, and that not a single opportunity passes by that I don’t reach out to you in intercession. Help me Lord to do your bidding and to lead those who need a touch from you to your throne. Holy Father, I am so grateful for the blessing and comfort that my prayers for others bring to me. You touch my heart and heal my own wounds as I pray for my fellow victims of tragedy. My heart aches when I hear of the martyrdom of your saints, and my prayers for them soothes my soul like a salve. What many perceive as a help to others touches us as well. Thank you for the infectious nature of your grace and mercy; it fills each of us as we kneel in your presence. Praised be your name Holy Father, for all things do work together for good when they are of you.
Rich Forbes