DCLM Higher Everyday 2 May 2023 — Intercessory Prayers
DCLM Higher Everyday 2 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Intercessory Prayers
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Topic: Intercessory Prayers.
Text — John 17:9, 15-21
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Key Verse: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20).
Message
Intercessory prayer is a type of prayer that involves talking to God on behalf of others. Oswald Chambers said, “Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men.” In our text, Christ Jesus provides a model of intercession. His prayer cuts across various areas of His disciples’ lives. It also extends to us, His disciples today.
The Scripture is full of examples of saints who prayed for others with attendant great outcomes. A few of these include: Abraham’s prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah; Moses’ and Samuel’s intercessions for Israel; Apostle Paul’s intercession for the Jews’ salvation; and the early church’s prayer for the release of Peter from prison. Intercession is every believer’s business. We are to intercede for our unsaved relatives, friends and colleagues. We are also to intercede for the peace of our nation. Indeed, we are to intercede for all men. If we are faithful in intercession, we will see God’s wonders in the lives of people around us.
Quote: Intercession brings divine interventions
Challenge: Make intercession a habit.
Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, make me an intercessor like my Saviour.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
