Intercede

Day 1

Intercede (from dictionary.com)

1.to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition: to intercede with the governor for a condemned man. 2.to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.

Mediate

1.to settle (disputes, strikes, etc.) as an intermediary between parties; reconcile. 2.to bring about (an agreement, accord, truce, peace, etc.) as an intermediary between parties by compromise, reconciliation, removal of misunderstanding, etc. 3.to effect (a result) or convey (a message, gift, etc.) by or as if by an intermediary.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.



Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.



Day 2



I am taking today's devotional from a section in one of my favorite books on intercession, besides the Word itself. It is by Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth. I highly recommend that you pick up the book yourself, but here is a snippet from chapter 3 for today's devotional.

He who was made to represent God on the earth now needed someone to represent him to God. Christ , of coarse, became that representative, intercessor or mediator. Not only did He represent God to man, but He also represented man to God. This God-man was the attorney for both sides!

He is the ultimate, final and only go-between. He is "the Apostle [God to the human race] and High Priest [the human race to God] of our confession" (Heb 3:12). He is Job's great go-between, hanging between heaven and earth placing one hand on God and the other on humans (see Job 9:32,33).

...Christ's intercession, in keeping with its literal meaning, was not a prayer He prayed, but a work of mediation He did.

Day 3

1 Timothy 2:1-7
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

As Christians we usually say prayer requests, here they distinguish between the two. What is the difference between requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving?

Day 4

I truly believe that at some point in all our lives someone interceded on our behalf to God. Christ paid the price for our iniquities. Somewhere along the way someone called out in His Name, for our salvation. Someone was on their knees so that I may find salvation. I believe that each one of us has a special someone in our lives, a parent, a sibling or a friend that prayed for us. They believed we would find the Truth. I believe that on behalf of the faithful that the Spirit could begin to do it's work. Many of us call it "planting seeds". Do you know who was praying for you? If so, give thanks today for their faithfulness and their intercession on your part when you didn't believe. Maybe send them a note and tell them how your life has changed because of their prayers. For those of you who had faithful parents who prayed over you from the time you were born, let them know how much you appreciate it.

Day 5

Praise God that the King of Kings and Lord of Lord interceded on my behalf so that I may have a relationship with the one and only Creator of the Heavens.

Give thanks for those that have mediated on your behalf.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for not interceding for those that are lost.

Take the time to make a short list of those you love dearly and begin a process of mediation. Talk to God on their behalf. They need you to and God wants you to.

Heavenly Father, you are such an awesome God. I am in amazement this week of your magnificence. When I feel most at lost you surround me, you love me and care for me. Thank you for the blessings in my life, for those that love and pray for me. Give me the strength and determination to pray for those I love that don't have a relationship with you. Guide me and show me how you can work through me in their lives. May your will be done. Thank you for your grace and great sacrifice. In Your Holy Name.....