April 23rd, 2024
The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
Intercession is More Than Prayer
In his book Stories for the Journey, William White tells of a European seminary professor and his wife, Hans and Enid. During WW2 they escaped to America, where Hans began teaching in a seminary. Students loved this Bible teacher, and they enjoyed observing the tender love that Hans and Enid displayed as the couple often walked hand in hand around campus.
Enid's unexpected death sent Hans into a pit of sorrow. The seminary president and 3 other friends began visiting Hans, but he remained lonely and depressed. "I am no longer able to pray to God," Hans confided to them, "In fact, I am not certain I believe in God anymore."
After an awkward moment of silence, the seminary president responded, "Then we will believe for you. We will pray for you."
In the following weeks the 4 men met daily to pray with Hans, asking God to help Hans experience God's presence and healing. Months later, as the 4 men gathered again in Hans's living room, Hans greeted them with a smile. "It is no longer necessary for you to pray for me," he said. "Instead, I would like you to pray with me."
I love this story because it reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are often called upon to stand in the gap for each other with more than words. If one of us is struggling with our faith, we may need to stand by that besieged brother or sister and believe in God for that struggler. Galatians 6:1-2 declares “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
There is a powerful connection in the family of God. When you are in trouble, I must come to your aid and help you with your burden. I should bless you by believing where your belief is weak or mission. You should be prepared to do the same for me. We are human and often forget that we are responsible for each other. Of course, prayer is an integral part of that job. We need to lift each other up in prayer every day, but especially when the other is down. Intercessory prayer is war! We battle on behalf of others through prayer. God has always sought out intercessors to pray for one another. And sometimes there is no one who is willing to step up to the plate.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30
On the first Thursday of every May, Christ followers all across the United States of America go to war with Satanic forces on behalf of our nation. We may have to believe for others for a while. This year is no different. In Clovis, a group of Christ Followers will gather at the Curry County Courthouse to pray for America on Thursday, May 2nd. Similar prayer gatherings will take place in towns and cities from coast to coast and Hawaii and Alaska. We will stand in the gap for one another calling on God to bless our nation and to bring revival to our lives individually and throughout America. Come and join in that effort from 12 Noon to 1:00PM. You will be glad you did.
This Sunday, I will present a message based on the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer. It is titled, LIFT UP THE WORD - LIGHT UP THE WORLD and based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31. Come join in this special effort of Spiritual Warfare! God will join us when we stand in the gap.
Praying with and for you,
Jon
Intercession is More Than Prayer
In his book Stories for the Journey, William White tells of a European seminary professor and his wife, Hans and Enid. During WW2 they escaped to America, where Hans began teaching in a seminary. Students loved this Bible teacher, and they enjoyed observing the tender love that Hans and Enid displayed as the couple often walked hand in hand around campus.
Enid's unexpected death sent Hans into a pit of sorrow. The seminary president and 3 other friends began visiting Hans, but he remained lonely and depressed. "I am no longer able to pray to God," Hans confided to them, "In fact, I am not certain I believe in God anymore."
After an awkward moment of silence, the seminary president responded, "Then we will believe for you. We will pray for you."
In the following weeks the 4 men met daily to pray with Hans, asking God to help Hans experience God's presence and healing. Months later, as the 4 men gathered again in Hans's living room, Hans greeted them with a smile. "It is no longer necessary for you to pray for me," he said. "Instead, I would like you to pray with me."
I love this story because it reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are often called upon to stand in the gap for each other with more than words. If one of us is struggling with our faith, we may need to stand by that besieged brother or sister and believe in God for that struggler. Galatians 6:1-2 declares “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
There is a powerful connection in the family of God. When you are in trouble, I must come to your aid and help you with your burden. I should bless you by believing where your belief is weak or mission. You should be prepared to do the same for me. We are human and often forget that we are responsible for each other. Of course, prayer is an integral part of that job. We need to lift each other up in prayer every day, but especially when the other is down. Intercessory prayer is war! We battle on behalf of others through prayer. God has always sought out intercessors to pray for one another. And sometimes there is no one who is willing to step up to the plate.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30
On the first Thursday of every May, Christ followers all across the United States of America go to war with Satanic forces on behalf of our nation. We may have to believe for others for a while. This year is no different. In Clovis, a group of Christ Followers will gather at the Curry County Courthouse to pray for America on Thursday, May 2nd. Similar prayer gatherings will take place in towns and cities from coast to coast and Hawaii and Alaska. We will stand in the gap for one another calling on God to bless our nation and to bring revival to our lives individually and throughout America. Come and join in that effort from 12 Noon to 1:00PM. You will be glad you did.
This Sunday, I will present a message based on the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer. It is titled, LIFT UP THE WORD - LIGHT UP THE WORLD and based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31. Come join in this special effort of Spiritual Warfare! God will join us when we stand in the gap.
Praying with and for you,
Jon
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