byIn the Old Testament, before grace came, the term “to intercede” was commonly associated with the actions of priests who acted on behalf of the people. These priests, known as the Levites, were designated mediators between the people and God. In the New Testament, the word takes on a broader form as it is referenced whenever Paul or other apostles wrote letters to the churches, urging not just the church’s elders but every member of the Body to pray for each other. Today, as members of the Body of Christ, we are tasked to stand in the gap for others – friends, family, and all those in need by praying for them. Let’s delve into some basic understandings that highlight the need and guide us on how to intercede on behalf of others effectively.
Intercession is a ministry of its own
Just like in the Old Testament, where the priest’s job was to serve as a go-between or a mediator between God and the people, we have also been called as priests, who are not just accountable for ourselves but for others too, as seen in Galatians 6:2. Our obligation to also go out to share the word of God should constantly put us in a position where we will be on our knees in prayer for these our listeners because it is not our words that transforms the listener’s hearts but God Himself who transforms it.
Also, individuals only form part of a bigger body, and just like the human anatomy illustrates, when an injury occurs to one area, the body responds by sending white blood cells to the site to fight off infection and begin the healing process. If the body fails to respond and react, the injury can worsen and affect the entire body. Likening this to Christians, recognising that our collective spiritual well-being is intertwined, it is our mandate to acknowledge the pain and injuries of our fellow members and send support in prayers. That is how we, as a part of the body, react to help the collective body.
Intercession is the biggest form of love for one another
The Bible instructs us to love one another without distinguishing between those who are kind to us and those who are not. As members of the Body, we are called to pray for each other, especially as we approach these challenging times. Sadly, many self-proclaimed Christians today condemn the LGBTQ community and other groups they disapprove of, forgetting that our role is not to judge but to pray for their liberation from the devil’s deception and captivity.
The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, meaning we are not fighting a physical battle but a spiritual one. Therefore, we should not condemn or punish such individuals. While it’s okay to express our disapproval, what we must do to show love is to commit them to God’s hands. When we encounter individuals who may not align with our values, our response should be guided by compassion and love rather than gossip or condemnation.
Intercede according to God’s will
We cannot transform ourselves; it is God who brings about transformation. Therefore, we do not intercede based on our abilities or power; we do so because we trust God to change situations. So, in Hebrews 13:18-19, Paul emphasises that the work of intercession is to accelerate God’s work on earth. The Bible tells us that God’s plan will always come to pass, and when we understand God’s will and pray in alignment with it, we can effectively participate in His plans. So, it is necessary that we align ourselves as well as the people around us to His will through prayer.
Personally, I’ve experienced this truth. From a young age, I’ve prayed for my present and even future family, trusting that God alone can bring a positive change in circumstances. So then, this is the very essence of intercession: praying with God’s word to align ourselves and the people around us with His will to be able to access the fullness of God’s great plan.
In summary, Old Testament priests mediated between God and people. In the New Testament, intercession has become every believer’s responsibility. So, while we stumble and struggle to break free from the devil’s snares on our journey back to God, the members of the Body of Christ have a critical role to play: to intercede and uplift one another in prayer.
