Dear conqueror in Christ:
Let us use this wonderful opportunity to explore God’s call for intercessory prayer. Our natural tendency is to pray for our own deliverance from physical or mental affliction, from oppressing enemies and for personal promotion. The psalmist illustrates well this point when he cried out: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2). Though it’s quite all right to pray for our personal needs, we have to also engage in intercessory prayer for the welfare of others. Our prayers must be unselfish as well. Thereto the Lord Jesus shows us the most excellent way.
Jesus is seen in action as a prayer intercessor when he prayed for Peter. Being all omniscient, he knew Peter was about to deny him, warning: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat” Luke 22: 31). In the face of this imminent danger, Jesus interceded for his disciple: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32). The prayer that works in God’s economy is the prayer of faith. We surely see faith in the Lord’s prediction of Peter’s restoration. On this score, he gave him the charge to help and pray for others saying:” And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32). Indeed after you find mercy for yourself, be sure to pray and encourage others to find mercy for themselves.
Excelsior
Bishop Leon