Intercession in the Bible • Deshen Daily

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Col. 4:12 KJV).

The life of Ephaphras gives us a unique case of intercession in the Bible. His life not only teaches us what intercessory prayer is, it also shows us one of the most important components of Spirit-guided, intercessory prayers.

In the verse above, Paul defines intercession simply as laboring fervently in prayer for others. Intercession is hard work in prayer, for the benefit of others. Yes, prayer is hard work! Intercession clearly tells us that we can have spiritual influence on the affairs of others, our communities, and our nations. You may not be able to talk with your nation’s president, but you can still influence his decisions- from your knees.

We need to intercede for our loved ones, brethren in Church, sinners in the world, our communities, and our nations’ leaders. We should labor in prayer on behalf of sinners, so they will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We should labor in prayer for believers to grow in spiritual maturity, and stand perfect and complete in the will of God. We should labor in prayer for the ministers, missionaries, and church leaders, so that God will grant them the wisdom, strength, and perseverance in the work He has commanded them to do.

Prayer is not a human strategy; it’s a divine weapon. I cannot tell you how that works, but the Lord says it is so, and you can count on His words. Be proactive, and get involved in the lives of family members, Church, community, and politicians. Intercede and pray.

MEDITATE

Do you sincerely believe that intercession works? It is often the birth place of revival in many communities.

APPLY THE WORD

If all your prayer time is about you and your needs, make a change today. Intercede for others, specifically praying for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in their lives.