Intercession is not a matter of begging God to do something we think is needed. Neither is it a matter of basing our faith on our ability to reach God through prayer. Rather, to intercede, I must put myself aside. Intercession is a matter of being apprehended by God to stand with HIM for HIS will and HIS purpose — regarding the one for whom you intercede, or regarding the situation in question. Intercession is for God’s will, His way, in His time — regardless of cost.
In the NT Greek, the word for “intercession” carries the meaning, “to fall in with; to meet with” — usually on the behalf of another. So despite the fact that Jesus, “ever lives to make intercession for the saints according to the will of God” – and obviously doesn’t need our help — part of fellowship with Christ is that we will, “fall in with Him; become one with Him,” in interceding for others. We will have His mind and heart on these matters.
Intercession also means that we are sometimes praying for those who cannot, don’t know to, or even will not, presently pray for themselves. This does not replace their responsibility to choose. Rather, it eventually makes choice for them clear and possible.
To stand with God for His will “no matter what” is equal to asking, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” How is God’s will done in heaven? Fully. That is what we are praying when we stand with God in His purpose. God’s will absolutely shall meet obstacles. God may for a time allow conditions to persist with are NOT His highest or ultimate will, because He must first do an inward work. We cannot know all of the issues. We cannot dictate to God. But we can know God. God has a will. And He wants a people who will stand with Him for that will from out of a fellowship with His Son.
This is intercession – it is, “the fellowship of His sufferings” – we suffer in what He is suffering. But in the end, it is what it means to be witnesses and ambassadors of Christ.
David DePra
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