11/07/2023
Who will we come into contact with today? Will there be some chance happening in our life that isn’t quite as chance as it might seem, and that the Lord will orchestrate for His purposes, and glory? There are many intercessions that occur during what we think are less than significant meetings and encounters, and in those brief moments when we witness someone’s need or struggle, our minds often wander to God as we think such prayerful things as “Oh God.”, or “Jesus!”. Have you ever considered these instant utterances to be moments of prayerful intercession?
“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 we ever considered ourselves to be one of those good things that God has placed into the life of someone else? Has it ever occurred to us that we 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 was a member of a three man intercessory prayer team in a church I once attended. We made ourselves available to all who needed prayer each Sunday morning at the altar, just before the sermon, and every Monday night in a dedicated room from 6 until 8. These were our official times of prayer, but we also received calls throughout the week when someone was in dire need of immediate prayer. All of this was part and parcel to the prayers we prayed every day, and although, at 68 I was the youngster of this team, the team’s joint prayers had been ongoing for over 35 years. That was pre Covid-19 in 2020, but you and I are also members of an intercessory team now, and our team has been in the business of praying for people 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 during our daily activities 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.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people”
1 Timothy 2:1 ESV
One night at 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 participate in 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 prayed in a valuable, and important manner during my tenure on the intercessory prayer team, that I had also 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 sporting events or meetings, but many times I prayed for folks without their even knowing it. It dawned on me that all those people, circumstances, and things which touched my heart had also touched the heart of God. We are meant to intercede and bring the needs and concerns of others before the Throne of God each and every day, and the Lord places us in circumstances where such prayers are needed. He might put us in a place where we need to pray a fervent prayer over someone, insert us into a touching moment when tears will flow down our cheeks in compassion and heartbreak, in moments of intercession when He performs amazing miracles before our very eyes as we pray, or by allowing us to witness someone’s need that sparks a quick thought as we pass by them on the street. Whatever, and wherever the need is, we are meant to pray often; many, many, times a day.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
Are we doing this every day? When we hear of over two dozen people killed in a Texas church by some deranged gunman are we saying to ourselves “How horrible. I hope they catch him!” or are we going immediately to the Lord in prayer for the souls of the dead, and the suffering of the living? When an acquaintance comes to us expressing their grief and how disturbed they are by such events, are we saying “yes that is really tragic”, or do we 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 our words, and they settle and heal our own spirit as well.
Since I first started praying for those at work I have been approached time and time again by people who need workplace 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, and intercessory prayer, gives them relief from whatever God has placed in their life, or those everyday problems that trouble them; and the conversation often begins with our prayer for them.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16 ESV
We should never discount the opportunities we have to pray, or underestimate the impact we have in the small and seemingly insignificant prayers we 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, it 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 in which 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 them, and 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.
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
Romans 8:34 ESV
Rich Forbes