Revival Praying预览

Revival praying continues with INTERCESSION.

As soon as Ezra had made a thorough confession to God above, he began praying for those around him. Notice the emphasis in verse 7 of his prayer, “Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.”

If confession is the doorway to prayer, then intercession is the family room—the place where we bear the needs of others to our loving Father. Nothing reveals the heart like our prayers; very often, when we think we are most spiritual, we actually reveal how truly self-centered we have become. Even prayers can be offered selfishly (James 4:3).

But the heart of true prayer must be the heart of God—a passion for the glory of God and the good of others. Ezra’s prayer list can become our own. He begins by describing the people as in bondage, destroyed, and confused. If we could only see souls and homes from God’s vantage point, it would motivate us all to pray. Remember, the greatest thing you can do for hurting people is to help carry their needs to God. When was the last time you wept over a soul? How long has it been since you fasted and prayed, broken over someone you know who is away from God? Maybe the Lord is breaking up our hard hearts to shake us out of our lethargy and mediocrity, setting aside our “normal” Christianity and “average” faith to raise up people who are once again hungry for Him.

Lord, give us some grandparents who know how to pray and some young people who can reach Heaven! Give us some fathers and mothers who will take responsibility for their own families and pray for a hedge of protection around them! Give us some believers who will learn how to bombard Heaven for lost sinners and prodigal souls!

Ezra’s reference to “our kings” and “our priests” was an acknowledgment of his day's political and religious leaders. Civil authorities still need our prayers (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Spiritual leaders need our prayers more than ever (Hebrews 13:17-18). It is always easier to talk about what we don’t like in our leaders than to talk to the only One who can do something about it. It is always easier to talk about what we don’t like in our leaders than to talk to the only One who can do something about it.

The Holy Spirit is looking for those who will join Christ in the great work of intercession. According to Romans 8:34, the Lord Jesus “is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Intercession is the highest form of prayer because it is the kind of praying our Savior does!

Hebrews 7:25 says of our Mediator, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” There is a prayer meeting already in progress at the throne of God, and we have the privilege of participating with Him in the work of intercession. You cannot do everything, but you can do something. You can pray.