Standing in the Gap

If you have ever witnessed a great play or drama, you realize there is more to it than what you see on the stage. There are many people working behind the curtain whether it's moving props, wardrobe, or lighting. The play would be nothing great without the behind the scenes work. Intercessory prayer could be viewed as behind the scenes work as well. Intercessors enter their prayer closets to pray and plead on the behalf of others. They pray expecting the Lord to do a mighty work, to save, to heal, to deliver because He and only He can do these things.

Sometimes I think we view prayer as if blowing on a dandelion and watching the wind carry it off not sure where all those pieces are going. We pray hoping God will hear us and answer, but we don't necessarily expect to see those answers.

No, no, no, our prayers are much more precious and much more valuable to God than we could ever imagine. Revelation 5:8 says "The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Imagine that! Our prayers in golden bowls! They are tangible and never in vain.  He hears each one and answers each one and keeps them because they are so precious to Him.

I believe God is looking for faithful intercessors. What is an intercessor?
The dictionary says that an intercessor is a person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer.

We see many examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible. Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites many times, Esther fasted and interceded on behalf of her people, Daniel interceded in prayer and fasted on behalf of the people. There are many more examples of this. Jesus Christ is our intercessor. (Romans 8:34)

Samuel said in 1 Samuel 12:23
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you."

Ezekiel 22:30 talks about the Lord looking for someone to stand in the gap but could find no one.

I recently had the privilege to stand in the gap for a dear friend who was too weak and too tired to pray for herself. We all know what that's like. There are times we just don't know what or even how to pray. This dear friend was facing a mountain that caused her anxiety and fear. Myself and others fasted, prayed, and stood in the gap for her and let me tell you God performed a miracle. God heard our prayers and intercession and did something beyond what we could ever think or imagine!

Who has the Lord called you to stand in the gap for? Whatever burdens your heart.....PRAY, for your spouse....PRAY, for your children.....PRAY, for the lost....PRAY, for the sick....PRAY, for the drug addict....PRAY, for the abused and neglected children around the world...PRAY, for our nation....PRAY, for the missonaries......PRAY.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and never give up!
Stand in the gap! Intercede and watch God work!

The picture above is our "Answered Prayer" board that I got for Christmas. Look at everything God has done so far!! These note cards contain miraculous healings, the long awaited birth of a miracle baby, salvations, and plenty more answered prayers! NOTHING is too difficult nor impossible for our God. It's time to seek the Lord, it's time to pray and fast, it's time to intercede!