19 November Deuteronomy 9

Intercessory prayer

Deuteronomy 9:25-29 (NIV)” I lay prostrate before the Lord those forty days and forty nights because the Lord had said he would destroy you. I prayed to the Lord and said, “Sovereign Lord, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people, their wickedness and their sin. Otherwise, the country from which you brought us will say, ‘Because the Lord was not able to take them into the land he had promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to put them to death in the wilderness.’ But they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm.”

Moses prayed many times, and his prayers saved the nation. He even prayed and fasted for the people when they turned against him and God. In the Old Testament, the High Priests were only allowed to go into the most sacred part of the temple, the Holy of Holies, once a year. But now, Jesus is in the Holy of Holies, praying for us daily. We are also called to pray for others. Because of Jesus, we can confidently enter the Holy of Holies and pray for others.

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV) “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water”.

Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. God calls all Christians to be intercessors. God desires that every believer be active in intercessory prayer.

Candice Lucey writes posits that: “The Hebrew for intercession is “paga” means “to fell,” or “attack,” but also “meet” or “make supplication.” The Greek was translated as “petition” and “intercession.” Our English word “intercession” is derived from the Latin for “to come between,” which means both “obstruct” and “to interpose on behalf of” someone. Christ stands between us and the Father. That’s why we pray “in Jesus’ name” because it’s by His sacrifice that we are made righteous and can approach the throne of God A modern understanding of “intercession” can include “mediation” or “standing up to” someone”.

James 5:16 (NIV) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”. God is calling Christians to participate in His battle plan for this world—to join in intercessory prayer. He is not looking for perfect prayer warriors, just willing hearts who want to see His will come to pass on earth.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (AMP) “For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ”.

In conclusion, intercessory prayer is a powerful calling for every believer. Just as Moses interceded for the people of Israel, standing in the gap on their behalf, we, too, are invited to pray earnestly for others. Through Jesus, we have been granted direct access to God’s presence, where we can confidently come, offering prayers for those in need, the lost, and the church. Intercessory prayer is a privilege and a vital part of God’s battle plan for the world. It allows us to partner with God to break down spiritual strongholds, lift others, and seek His will on earth.

Let us take up the call to be intercessors, trusting that God hears and acts on behalf of the prayers of the righteous. By joining in this divine work, we contribute to God’s kingdom, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to our world. May we confidently approach the throne, knowing that our prayers, offered in Jesus’ name, are powerful and effective.