21st October, 2005

LLOYD HARKNESS

Books and books have been written on the topic of intercessory prayer. What I hope you get from this short exploration of the word is an image of what is transpiring when you intercede and a taste of the Spirit at work in this way.

Intercession involves praying on behalf of someone else. PICTURE: Kristen Price (www.sxc.hu)   "There is an element of desperation in your petition. It's not a trivial matter in which you have no real investment of yourself."

In intercession you are praying on behalf of someone else. It carries the idea of being in the court of a king. You have come before his throne knowing that all power is in his hands. He can grant you wealth and property or strip you of it. He can grant you a pardon for your crimes or pronounce a death sentence on you. He can adjudicate in all matters pertaining to his kingdom and as a just king he is only answerable to truth and love. As his reign is guided by these principles everyone respects and abides by his decisions.

So here you are in the court of the king. But you haven't been brought into his presence as a chained prisoner or a court dignitary or as someone seeking an audience over a personal matter. You've come to plead the case of others and the king has granted you an audience. You're presenting a verbal petition. You present your case and then listen to the king's judgement. Neither eloquence nor the firm conviction that your case is just will necessarily deliver you the verdict you desire. You don't know how the king will adjudicate the matter. Hence, it is important to listen and follow the king's instructions.

There is an element of desperation in your petition. It's not a trivial matter in which you have no real investment of yourself. This isn't a casual chat where you'll just see what the king thinks about the issue. We come with the desperation of Abigail, who sought David on behalf of her foolish and ungrateful husband Nabal. The lives of every male in the household of Nabal were about to be cut short. Abigail rushed to David in trepidation. She humbled herself, recognising his authority. She brought gifts to put things right. She pled her case, seeking David's mercy. And in this case her actions and words won the day and mercy was granted. Lives were saved. She interceded on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves - every male shepherd and servant in that household.

Having praised her for her "good judgement" and the speed with which she acted, David said, "Go home in peace". The point at which we stop interceding for someone is usually when we have 'a peace' in the matter. We may not have an answer but we do have a peace because the king has heard and the situation is now in his hands. This is sometimes the sticking point, not just for intercessory prayer, but also for prayer in general. Can we have peace without an answer? If you know the king, his character and the nature of his rule, then faith says 'peace' is enough.

Can you see yourself before the king, petitioning, waiting, listening, coming to a point of peace when you walk away, even if the king should simply respond "I have heard your petition"? Then you have been interceding in prayer.

(PS: Then there is Jesus' continual intercession for all who have come to God (Hebrews 7:25), but that's another image.)