If you are a believer, then the subject of prayer should not be new to you. If it is, then you need to look more into your Bible or find a praying church, or do both, because prayer is a necessity for your living on earth as a Christian. It is a medium through which God moves and intervenes in earthly matters.
Prayer is essential not only for your life as a Christian but also for the lives of others—Christians and unbelievers. This is where intercession comes in; standing in the gap for other people other than yourself.
There is much darkness in the world, churches are growing cold, Christians are persecuted daily, governments and economies are failing, anti-christian laws and policies are springing up in nations to stifle the spread of the gospel, many souls are dying daily without knowing Jesus, and many other matters that should get us down on our knees.
But you know what? These issues will persist if you and I do nothing about it. The more you neglect prayer, the more you’re giving the enemy a chance to disrupt the plans of God for your personal life, nations, and the spread of the gospel all over the world. Don’t believe me, but believe the scriptures.
1. Daniel, a man of prayer, an intercessor, took it upon himself to intercede for Israel who was in captivity.
He confessed the sin of the land and pleaded for God’s forgiveness and mercy.
In the course of praying, angel Gabriel appeared to him and said:
As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision. — Daniel 9:23 NIV.
Imagine if he didn’t initiate prayer; nothing would have happened! His prayer was pivotal in the restoration of Israel and more understanding came about Jeremiah’s prophecy.
The immediacy of God’s answer to Daniel’s prayer was as though God was waiting for one man to initiate that prayer. This proves that God is ready to intervene and bring solutions to issues but he needs a man who will arise and intercede.
2. Also consider Peter whom Herod arrested.
He took James first, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, the church did nothing about it. He then went ahead to seize Peter also. But this time, the church awakened to prayer.
They prayed constantly for him and an angel was dispatched to rescue Peter. Thank God they did. He would have died too if the church had not prayed.
How many preachers have died in the hands of their oppressors because the church turned their face away? How many more will die if we—you—keep folding your hands?
3. The church prayed for Apostle Peter and John after they reported the threats of the chief priests and elders in Acts chapter 4.
The church, in unity, prayed that God would grant them the boldness to continue witnessing and that many signs and wonders would be done through them.
After they prayed the apostles spoke the word of God with boldness! Their prayer caused them to be bold.
Who knows what your prayer can do for missionaries who face threats and persecution? We need more bold Christians in this end time who can speak without fear, but we also need believers who will stand in the gap for them.
4. Moses interceded for Israel.
In different instances, God was ready to wipe out the Israelites because of their persistent stubbornness and disobedience, but Moses would always plead to God on their behalf, and God would spare them.
Moses saved them from destruction many times. Such impact of one man’s prayer!
If we want to see more divine interventions and progress in the work of the gospel, then you and I must get serious with intercession.
Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2 MEV
God is still looking for a man. You can be that man. If you desire to see nations turn to God, then you must intercede.
Ezekiel 22:30 MEV
I sought for a man among them who would build up the hedge and stand in the gap before Me for the land so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one.
