The joyful intercessor

As believers, we are called to be joyful - filled with the joy of God.

The author and prayer pastor Beni Johnson says that's how we are to pray, too.  She makes that point in her book The Happy Intercessor.

"While Jesus lived on this earth," she writes, "I believe that he knew how to live out of joy, even in the midst of suffering."

The author points to Jesus' miracles, especially the story of the dying daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, in Mark 5.  While they were talking, Jairus' servants came to tell him not to bother Jesus because his daughter had just died.  But Jesus brought her back to life and the family was overwhelmed with joy.

She notes that in Hebrews 12:2, the writer says that Jesus endured the cross "for the joy set before him" - or awaiting him - in heaven.  He knew he was going to win the victory over Satan and that he would bring many into the kingdom of God.

Knowing that Jesus defeated Satan on the cross is the foundation of confident, joyful prayer.  As Nehemiah told the Israelites in Nehemiah 8: "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Johnson says that we are to get on the same wavelength with God when we pray for others.  We are to ask the Spirit what he wants us to pray for and then pray as he leads.  We develop that understanding as we meditate on God's word and spend time with him in listening prayer.

I know that I tend to rush in with prayers for friends and family without asking God how he wants me to pray. The same is true of any plans I may have for my church activities.

Believing that Jesus is victorious whatever the circumstances should fill me with confidence and joy.  He will bring good out of even the most horrible circumstances as the apostle Paul said in Romans 8:28.

Of course, joy is not the same as happiness.  People may grieve the loss of a father or daughter but be joyful that this parent or child is now with God.

I come back frequently to the apostle Paul's injunction: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Here he links joy and thanksgiving with continual prayer.

Clearly, Paul is saying: "Don't pray with a gloomy face.  Pray with a heart filled with godly joy and thanksgiving, knowing that you are approaching the God who loves you enough that he sent his son to rescue you from the hands of Satan."

That's enough to make us joyful intercessors.