The Power of Intercession

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” Colossians 1:9-12

Usually the last thing we do for individuals who rub us the wrong way is to pray for them. We would rather gossip, grumble, or backbite in such instances. Have you ever thought why that is true?

Of course, the power of sin within us is one culprit; but there is an even more ominous perpetrator at work. Our crafty and deadly adversary, the devil, busily plies his trade in such strained relationships, realizing that intercessory prayer on behalf of others is the one supernatural ingredient that can tear down his stronghold.

Without Christ, the unbeliever is in the terminal death grip of Satan and sin. With Christ, the believer is freed from the devil’s mastery but is susceptible to his evil influence. Behind the behavior of those who offend you is “the deceiver” at work. As long as we refuse or resist to pray on their behalf, it is unlikely we will see real change in them or in us.

Rather than verbally or mentally slur or badge those who irritate us, we must mount an assault on the evil open through regular, sincere intercession. Your petitions can spell the difference between freedom and bondage - for you and them.

“The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends...” Job 42:10