SPLC: Pastors KeystrokesPraying for One Another (Intercession)
Written by Pastor Nuckols Thursday, 01 October 2009 10:14
Since the native selfishness of man can still misuse prayer for mere self-satisfaction, Scripture continually admonishes us to intercession. That such an admonition is necessary shows how easy it is to deceive ourselves. Intercession is the strongest weapon of the Holy Spirit against egotism. So the last dangerous nucleus in man; the fundamentally evil root of self-love is attacked, and it becomes clear that prayer is not concerned with private religious needs but that it is a preparation for the service of our neighbor and for the battle for God's glory.Where there is prayer for each other the desire for prayer with each other will be awakened.
The one who withdraws from common prayer discloses the fact that his piety still suffers from a calculating desire for enjoyment. The use of the "our" determines whether the prayer is healthy or unwholesome. In the "Our Father" the Lord overcomes the isolation of His members, edifies the life of the Church and awakens the desire for the fellowship of the Holy Supper, where each one is present in the corporealness of his complete personal life and all are nourished together. The sight of brethren strengthens faith. What the weakness of the one cannot attain becomes possible when many combine their efforts and bring their prayer to God.We must learn that there are victories that cannot be won by the individual but are only gained by a larger company.
From Dr. Luther, "What could happen that would be more terrifying to all evil spirits? what greater work could be done on earth? by it so many of the devout are supported and so many sinners would be converted. For the Christian Church on earth has not greater power nor strength than such common prayer against all that may assail her. The evil spirit knows this very well, therefore he does all he can to hinder this prayer for where prayer is neglected no one will deprive him of anything, nor will any one withstand him." Er. Ed. 16, 171.
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