. . . praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . . —Ephesians 6:18
As we continue on in our intercession for others, we may find that our obedience to God in interceding is going to cost those for whom we intercede more than we ever thought. The danger in this is that we begin to intercede in sympathy with those whom God was gradually lifting up to a totally different level in direct answer to our prayers. Whenever we step back from our close identification with God’s interest and concern for others and step into having emotional sympathy with them, the vital connection with God is gone. We have then put our sympathy and concern for them in the way, and this is a deliberate rebuke to God.
It is impossible for us to have living and vital intercession unless we are perfectly and completely sure of God. And the greatest destroyer of that confident relationship to God, so necessary for intercession, is our own personal sympathy and preconceived bias. Identification with God is the key to intercession, and whenever we stop being identified with Him it is because of our sympathy with others, not because of sin. It is not likely that sin will interfere with our intercessory relationship with God, but sympathy will. It is sympathy with ourselves or with others that makes us say, “I will not allow that thing to happen.” And instantly we are out of that vital connection with God.
Vital intercession leaves you with neither the time nor the inclination to pray for your own “sad and pitiful self.” You do not have to struggle to keep thoughts of yourself out, because they are not even there to be kept out of your thinking. You are completely and entirely identified with God’s interests and concerns in other lives. God gives us discernment in the lives of others to call us to intercession for them, never so that we may find fault with them.
Journal DJR
Good morning Lord,
There are so many needs. I could never pray for them all so I tend to get fatalistic and not even try. Help me to hear your voice and pray for the ones that you have specifically for me to pray for.
As you walk closely with me, you will know my heart and mind.
But you have a heart for all the hurting people. I dont have the capacity that you have…
True, so as you commune closely with me, you will “see” and “hear” the ones I illuminate for you to pray for.
I tend to get caught up in sympathy like Oswald talks about today. How do I stay in empathy and compassion and avoid sympathy that can take me down the wrong path?
By staying close to me. Spend time with me. Get to know me and my heart. I will show you how you are to love and reflect me into your world.
I guess that is always the answer….
Yes it is.
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