Jesus is the ultimate intercessor - our example in how to pray for others.
The disciples were impressed so much by his prayer life that they asked him to teach them how to pray.
Dick Eastman, author of Love On Its Knees, says that intercessors need the "clarity of vision" that Jesus had - he was on earth to do the Father's business.
"Our eyes must focus on those issues that are closest to the heart of God," writes Eastman.
"Who specifically has God asked me to pray for today? What nations or groups will be touched by my time with God today?"
As intercessors, we must believe in victory as we pray the way Christ prays for us. We must persist in praying the way Christ prayed for people while he was on earth.
We must also have clear goals, Eastman says, just as the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:26: "I run with a clear goal before me." We must ask ourselves what Jesus' priorities are.
Eastman, a noted prayer warrior and missions leader, suggests several priorities we should keep in mind:
As I review these points in Eastman's book, I realize how far short of the mark I am as an intercessor. Where is the intensity that Jesus had? Where is the sacrifice? Where is the conviction and commitment?The disciples were impressed so much by his prayer life that they asked him to teach them how to pray.
Dick Eastman, author of Love On Its Knees, says that intercessors need the "clarity of vision" that Jesus had - he was on earth to do the Father's business.
"Our eyes must focus on those issues that are closest to the heart of God," writes Eastman.
"Who specifically has God asked me to pray for today? What nations or groups will be touched by my time with God today?"
As intercessors, we must believe in victory as we pray the way Christ prays for us. We must persist in praying the way Christ prayed for people while he was on earth.
We must also have clear goals, Eastman says, just as the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:26: "I run with a clear goal before me." We must ask ourselves what Jesus' priorities are.
Eastman, a noted prayer warrior and missions leader, suggests several priorities we should keep in mind:
- Jesus was committed to suffering in order to reach his objective - bringing many into the kingdom of God. We intercessors must be prepared to weep with those who weep and bear the weight of praying for others;
- Jesus was committed to carrying out his duties for the Father. At the very top of his duties was the redemption of mankind - and evangelization should be high on our list, too;
- Christ was bent on mission - reaching people everywhere with the good news. Praying for missionaries at home and abroad is vital;
- Jesus refused to give up despite many obstacles and threats. We, too, must be prepared to endure in prayer, no matter what;
- Jesus cared about people. Like Jesus, we must desire to be with others - and to reach out to others with the good news;
- Jesus was ready to sacrifice himself for us. We must be ready to sacrifice ourselves for others in prayer;
- Jesus seized opportunities to reach out to others every day. So must we as we pray for others daily; and
- Jesus never ceased his labours until his death on the cross - and he continues to intercede before the Father in heaven. We also must continue interceding for people to come to the Lord - until our task is done.
And yet that is where Jesus drew his strength and power as he communed with the Father. May it be mine - and yours - too.
No comments:
Post a Comment