Intercession
Intercession is a powerful means of winning souls and bringing glory to God, and it is our privilege and responsibility to pray for others with a definite desire for their salvation.
Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound blessing and honor of intercession, highlighting that through prayer, believers can bring down heavenly gifts not only for themselves but also for others. He explains that God has made intercession a vital means for saving souls and edifying the church, and that the success of His work depends on our prayers. Murray encourages Christians to actively engage in intercession for their neighbors, ministers, and the world, asserting that such prayers are pleasing to God and impactful in the lives of others. He calls for a joyful and dedicated approach to prayer, reminding believers that intercession is essential for winning souls and glorifying God.
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"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18.
What an unspeakable blessing there is in intercession. That one should pray down heavenly gifts on himself is a wonder of grace, but that he should bring down blessings on others is indeed an inconceivable honor. Will God indeed make the pouring out of blessing on others dependent on our prayers? Yes, He makes us His remembrancers and fellow-workers. He has taken us into partnership in His work. If we fail in doing our part, others will suffer, and His work will suffer unspeakable loss.
God has appointed intercession as one of the means by which souls shall be saved, and saints and ministers of the Gospel are edified and built up in the faith. Even the ends of the earth will receive life and blessing through our prayers. Should we not expect God's children to strive joyfully and with all their powers, by means of intercession, to bring down blessing on the world?
Christian, begin to use intercession as a means of grace for yourself and for others. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for souls, with the definite desire that they may be won for Christ. Pray for your minister, for all ministers and missionaries. Pray for your country and people, for rulers and subjects. Pray for all men, women, and children worldwide. If you surrender yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and live a life wholly for God, you will realize that the time spent in prayer is an offering well-pleasing to God, bringing blessing to yourself, and power into the lives of those for whom you pray.
Yes, pray always with all prayer and supplication, watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And in so doing, you will learn the lesson that intercession is the chief means of winning souls and bringing glory to God.
Sermon Outline
- The Blessing of Intercession
- The Importance of Intercession
- Practical Application of Intercession
- Pray for others with a definite desire for their salvation
- Pray for those in ministry and missions
- Pray for all people and nations
Key Quotes
“That one should pray down heavenly gifts on himself is a wonder of grace, but that he should bring down blessings on others is indeed an inconceivable honor.” — Andrew Murray
“He has taken us into partnership in His work. If we fail in doing our part, others will suffer, and His work will suffer unspeakable loss.” — Andrew Murray
“Even the ends of the earth will receive life and blessing through our prayers.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- Pray for others with a definite desire for their salvation, and trust that God will work in their lives.
- Recognize the importance of intercession in saving souls and building up saints and ministers of the Gospel.
- Surrender yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and live a life wholly for God, and you will experience the power of intercession in your life.