INTERCESSORY PRAYER

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:1-4).

Devotion 12 of 17

SUPPLICATE FOR THE SAINTS The people of God are urged to "put on the whole armor of God" because of their present situation. Involved in their stand against the wiles of the devil is intercession. Believers now occupy a war zone. Their adversary, the devil, "walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Not only is an adversary on their heels, they are charged with taking care of the Lord's goods. They are the "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15) responsible for maintaining and perpetrating the good news of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20). Total dedication to the cause of Christ is required. We must not only think of ourselves, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12), we must consider our brothers, and pray for them. Hear the word of the Lord. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph 6:18). Observe the requirements. Not "some prayer," but "ALL prayer." Not only prayer, but fervent "supplication." Not only supplication, but "supplication in the Spirit," directed by and in harmony with "the mind of the Spirit." All of this must be done with "perseverance," or faithful continuance. Our role as intercessors must not be abandoned! Self preservation is not the point, but "supplication for all saints." That is a mighty mandate for intercessors; for people to stand in the gap for the saints of the Most High God. It is not that they are inclined to deny the faith--that is not the point of this intercession. It is that they are under attack; they are being assaulted by the "prince of the power of the air." Will God simply build a hedge around them for protection, hiding them from the forces of darkness. No! He will protect them through the prayers of the saints--through intercessors! That is His manner of working!