Good Morning “Intercessors”. Today we are in Ezekiel 22.
It’s hard to read Ezekiel and not get torn up with the description of their judgment. This particular chapter gives us a pretty clear picture of the destruction that’s coming. Consider the judgment due our nation, consider the Book of Revelation. In that day their “courage” fueled by arrogance, and deception wont go very far.
“Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.”
Ezekiel 22:14 NIV
It seems they were all corrupt. Among them there was not one who would stand and intercede on behalf of the nation.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30 NIV
Scripture is packed with examples of times when God responded as a result of someone’s intercessory prayer - yet it’s often an afterthought. Consider Abraham praying for Ishmael’s blessing (Genesis 17:18), or Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33). What about the many times Moses and Aaron interceded on behalf of Israel? Paul intercedes for followers of Jesus, that they might be strengthened by the power of The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-19). Even Jesus, after “Petitioning” that He would glorify The Father, intercedes for “The Disciples” and those “Believers” that would come after them (John 17).
How often do we intercede for (pray for) the peace of Israel, and their reconciliation to God through Jesus? “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.”
Psalms 122:6 NIV
It’s clear in Scripture that we should. What about our own nation and its impending judgment? (1 Timothy 2:1-7) What about others in general and the lost? Most are pretty good about petitioning / praying for our own needs, but there are more aspects of prayer we need to be diligently obedient in.
We see at least 5 clear elements of prayer in Scripture. We can remember them with our praying hands. The thumb points to ourselves so we start by asking for “Forgiveness” (1 John 1:9). The next finger is our pointer - it points heavenward reminding us to thank Him for all that He has done - “Thanksgiving”. Next is the longest middle finger. It reminds us how big God is. It reminds us to praise Him- “Praise or Adoration”. The ring finger reminds us of our loved ones. We “Petition” God (pray for) our needs and the needs of those who are close to us. Then the pinky or little finger. It reminds us to pray for “The least of these”, Gods children, others, the lost - “Intercession”. That’s the one we seem to forget the most.
Forgiveness, Thanksgiving, Adoration, Petition, and Intercession. Our prayers should include them all. Jesus lays it all out in “The Lords Prayer”. He’s not necessarily telling us “Pray this prayer”, He’s saying pray like this… or include these elements (Matthew 6:9-13).
Love you all! Dig in! Pray completely. Pray obediently.
It’s hard to read Ezekiel and not get torn up with the description of their judgment. This particular chapter gives us a pretty clear picture of the destruction that’s coming. Consider the judgment due our nation, consider the Book of Revelation. In that day their “courage” fueled by arrogance, and deception wont go very far.
“Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.”
Ezekiel 22:14 NIV
It seems they were all corrupt. Among them there was not one who would stand and intercede on behalf of the nation.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30 NIV
Scripture is packed with examples of times when God responded as a result of someone’s intercessory prayer - yet it’s often an afterthought. Consider Abraham praying for Ishmael’s blessing (Genesis 17:18), or Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33). What about the many times Moses and Aaron interceded on behalf of Israel? Paul intercedes for followers of Jesus, that they might be strengthened by the power of The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-19). Even Jesus, after “Petitioning” that He would glorify The Father, intercedes for “The Disciples” and those “Believers” that would come after them (John 17).
How often do we intercede for (pray for) the peace of Israel, and their reconciliation to God through Jesus? “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.”
Psalms 122:6 NIV
It’s clear in Scripture that we should. What about our own nation and its impending judgment? (1 Timothy 2:1-7) What about others in general and the lost? Most are pretty good about petitioning / praying for our own needs, but there are more aspects of prayer we need to be diligently obedient in.
We see at least 5 clear elements of prayer in Scripture. We can remember them with our praying hands. The thumb points to ourselves so we start by asking for “Forgiveness” (1 John 1:9). The next finger is our pointer - it points heavenward reminding us to thank Him for all that He has done - “Thanksgiving”. Next is the longest middle finger. It reminds us how big God is. It reminds us to praise Him- “Praise or Adoration”. The ring finger reminds us of our loved ones. We “Petition” God (pray for) our needs and the needs of those who are close to us. Then the pinky or little finger. It reminds us to pray for “The least of these”, Gods children, others, the lost - “Intercession”. That’s the one we seem to forget the most.
Forgiveness, Thanksgiving, Adoration, Petition, and Intercession. Our prayers should include them all. Jesus lays it all out in “The Lords Prayer”. He’s not necessarily telling us “Pray this prayer”, He’s saying pray like this… or include these elements (Matthew 6:9-13).
Love you all! Dig in! Pray completely. Pray obediently.
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