THE NEED FOR AN INTERCESSORY PRAYER

By Futsum Libanos

The indispensability of genuine prayer in the life of an authentic believer cannot be underestimated. When it comes to the effectiveness of intense prayer the Scripture is free from opacity. For it is written, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b. The Bible is replete with numerous prayers, supplications and intercessions, which are directed to the Almighty who has supreme authority and power to grant the requests that are contained in them. The Holy Bible also declares that families of nations are to ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, which straightforwardly implies that God is worthy to receive all the praises that ascend to His throne. When one diligently reviews the entire Bible he or she would assuredly discover that the intercessory prayer that was offered by the Lord Jesus (in John 17) is the epitome of all of biblical prayers. And that sets an impeccable example to be followed by any Christian who has an earnest desire to pray.

Furthermore, the need for an intercessory prayer cannot be over emphasizes. Especially in our time when innumerable people are in dire need be it spiritual, physical, material, financial or health wise. Moreover, given the enormity of the hardship, the gravity of the suffering and the longevity of the duration (i.e. by now, ten caliginous years) of the incarceration of our persecuted brothers and sisters, one would wonder at the negligence of offering intercessory prayer that may be prevalent among the people who belong to the community of Christendom. So as a way of self examination let’s consider and cogitate on the subsequent serious questions for a moment.

Does to offer a consistent prayer day in day out seems a Sisyphus (difficult and futile) task for you? In other words, does the cares of this life hinder you from setting aside a certain period of time for prayer every day? Is your life entangled with the pursuit of happiness which is so focused only on this side of eternity? Are you unable to use your time wisely by spending too much time surfing the internet and visiting unnecessary websites that are not edifying to the human soul? Do you waste precious commodity that we call “time” by watching TV without setting proper time limit? If these and other impediments preclude you from investing your priceless time in prayer, please be reminded that there is a commodious room at the feet of the cross to lay your heavy burden down.