The Ministry of Intercession

I am reading a book by Andrew Murray entitled "The Ministry of Intercession." The first edition of this book was published in the late nineteenth century during the peak of his ministry. He authored over 240 books. I have always benefited from his writings.

Here is a quote from chapter two of the book:

"It is Peter praying, to whom the will of God is revealed, to whom guidance is given as to going to Caesarea, and who is brought into contact with a praying and prepared company of hearers. No wonder that in answer to all this prayer a blessing comes beyond all expectation, and the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Gentiles. A much-praying minister will receive an entrance into God's will he would otherwise know nothing of. He will be brought to praying people where he does not expect them, and will receive blessing above all he asks or thinks. The teaching and the power of the Holy Spirit are both unalterably linked to prayer."

What a challenge to be faithful in prayer!

Murray goes on to expound on the situation of Peter being in prison as recorded in Acts 12. We are told that "prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him." As you may recall Peter was miraculously freed from prison. Murray then writes: "The whole power of the Roman Empire, as represented by Herod, was impotent in the presence of the power the Church of the Holy Spirit wielded in prayer."

Now I wonder; what would happen in our church if we began to pray for God to work in us and through us as we gather to worship Him this Sunday? There is one way to find out - let's pray!

1. Pray for the Word of the Lord to be heard clearly through the message.
2. Pray for me as I prepare myself and the message for Sunday.
3. Pray for absentees to be drawn back to corporate worship on this Sunday.
4. Pray for members to have a spirit of anticipation as they come into Worship.
5. Pray for guests to join us for worship on Sunday.
6. Pray that God would give each of us an opportunity to invite someone to attend church with us this Sunday.
7. Pray for all of us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
8. Pray that God will speak to many individuals according to their needs.
9. Pray that we will see ONLY what God can do in response to the prayers of His people.

I don't know about you, but the thought of what may happen in response to our prayers excites me and stirs a longing in my heart to see God move in our midst.

Would you join me in praying for our service this Sunday? Print out this post and use the suggested prayer requests everyday (and throughout the day) between now and Sunday. Perhaps you could forward this post to others who you know would pray for us. Maybe put a link to this post on your Facebook page.

As you pray, God may prompt you to take action on your prayers. Do what He wants you to do and come to church expecting to see answers to your prayers!

Praying with you and for you,
Pastor Mike