"Intercession! Would not one say that this is the very holiest exercise of our boldness as God's children." (Andrew Murray)
I love read Murray on prayer! He makes it sound so desirous- as it should be. Intercessory prayer is one of the most selfless acts that the Christian may perform. It is one of few things that we can do for other, and still take no credit for. I mean it is one thing to pray for ourselves and things that we desire for ourselves (like a McLaren P1...), as well as things that we know we need. But to pray for the benefit of others is a different animal altogether.
Do you ever have moments like me? Often when I pray for others, I cannot quite think of what I should actually be asking for them. I mean, I try to pray for friends, family, and even fellow ministers and their families. But how should I be praying for them?
I think a Paul gives us a good answer is Ephesians 1.15-20- "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us- ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places..."
What strikes me the most about Paul's prayer is the focal point of His prayer. His prayer is so God-centered! Yes, He prayed for wisdom, revelation, understanding, and remembrance to be bestowed on them. But all the while he is also mentioning "the Father of glory", "the hope of his calling", "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints", "the exceeding greatness of his power", "the working of his mighty power", Christ's resurrection and Christ's ascension. So Paul wanted good for the Ephesians, but only as their blessing would exalt God.
I'm not saying not to pray for the healing of the sick or the family with the dad that's lost his job. I'm not saying not to pray for the persecuted Christians in other countries. But the question is, "Why should I ultimately pray for them?" Murray said of prayer, " It is the highest privilege and enjoyment connected to our COMMUNION WITH GOD." (Emphasis added by me) Ultimately, prayer is an act of worship and communion with God. In everything (prayer not excluded), we should be seeking the benefit of God, Himself. I want sick people to get well. I want jobs for families. I want to see Pastor Saeed freed. But what I want more than that is for God to be glorified. I want to pray more like that. I want to live a God-centered life.
