Reminders for LifeSample

The Power of Intercession

Sometimes we don’t know how to help our friends or family. We don’t know what to do for them. Maybe they’re facing a challenging season or obstacle. Maybe they made a mistake or they’re living a life far from Jesus. And you just don’t know what to do. 

What would Abigail suggest you do? Be an advocate—an intercessor. 

What is an intercessor? Someone who stands in the gap for others. 

You probably have friends or even a sibling who has interceded for you before. Just think about a time when you got in trouble as a kid. A brave sibling might’ve pleaded your case with phrases like, “They didn’t really mean to … It wasn’t even really their fault … Maybe you can forgive them … Maybe just one week instead of two …” They were interceding for you. 

In 1 Samuel 25, we meet Abigail and see her intercede for her husband, Nabal. Abigail was described as a sensible and intelligent woman, but her husband—not so much. 

In short, Nabal managed to upset and disrespect David. He upset David so much that David was ready to wage war and fight Nabal and his entire household. He started to lead his men to Nabal’s home, but do you know what stopped him? 

Abigail bowed down in front of David and interceded for her husband. She pleaded and apologized on his behalf. 

You can get on your knees and pray to God on others’ behalf. In fact, the best way to help those we love is to turn to the best Helper we have, Jesus. 

But here’s the kicker. We don’t just intercede for our family and friends. You can stand in the gap and pray for the person who cut you off in traffic, for the person who gossiped about you, and even for that coworker who annoys you. You may feel like they don’t “deserve” it. Hard truth: We don’t deserve it either. 

So, why is it so important to intercede for others, even when we don’t feel like it? For one, Jesus literally tells us to pray for our enemies. And two, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for us every day. And that’s definitely undeserved grace being extended to us. 

You can be more than a social justice warrior. You can be a prayer warrior, too. Extending the same grace that God extends to you, you can stand in the gap and intercede for others. 

Who do you need to pray for? 

Pray: Lord, I just want to stand in the gap for ___ right now. I know you can help them and meet them at their point of need during their season of ___. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for turning Your ear to hear our prayers. In Jesus’ name, amen.