Intercessory Prayer,Obedience, and Being Led by the Spirit
Lately God has been pressing on my heart the power of intercessory prayer, and walking in the Spirit.
Intercessory prayer-How often do people say, “Keep me in your prayers”, and we say “I will” and then we forget. I urge you to just stop right then and there and pray for them. It is powerful and encouraging to them and also stamps it on your heart where you will remember later.
Countless times I’ve woken up in the middle of the night and am wide awake. My initial reaction is to toss and turn and get aggravated. (Normally I sleep like a log- fall asleep within minutes and could pretty much hibernate, lol). After an hr or so I finally think- “oh hey God- maybe you have me awake for a purpose.” Then when I seek the Lord and who He wants me to pray for. It is pretty crazy sometimes how awesome this is.
For example- one time I woke up and prayed for this lady who had been heavily on my heart for so long because her husband had left her and her kids and they were going through a divorce. I prayed from 12-6am. The next day I decided to call and just see am I crazy or was something going on. She stated, “Today was the day we were going to court to finalize the divorce and the craziest thing happened. He postponed it and said he wants to work on it.”
Another time I was on a plane and saw this lady who had 2 kids with her and looked happy. I felt the Lord telling me to pray for her and give her scriptures. I said- “the happy lady? Are you sure?” I had a little anxiety because I thought surely I’m not hearing correctly. Surely I’m not hearing correctly. I’m probably going to embarrass myself and look like a crazy bible thumper. However, I stepped out on faith and wrote her a letter explaining salvation and giving her an encouraging word. At the baggage claim I built up the nerve to give it to her. “Ma’am, I know this sounds weird, but I really felt Jesus asked me to give this to you, and wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.” She just said thank you and started bawling. I had a chill all over.
Things like this just remind me how caring the Lord is and how amazing that He wants to use us. Also how He has made us one body- when one person is hurting, we all hurt and when one rejoices we all rejoice.
Weird how it happens. That still small voice but when we act in obedience, not only is it rewarding and powerful, but it helps us to hear His voice louder the next time. Drew and I were talking about it (maybe it’s because I started nursing at a urology place, lol) but I think about it like when a kid is being potty trained. At first you may mix up the signals- but the more you listen and respond immediately the easier it gets. But to learn you have to start being obedient (at least that is my experience).
Also, if you aren’t being obedient in the general things such as read your bible, praying, etc, then you can’t expect to hear God in the more specific things like where you’re lead to go, what job to take,is he/she right for you? etc.
My mom taught me in being obedient to her we are to do it cheerfully, instantly, and fully. And I think that is great practice when responding to Jesus.
I want to be led by the Spirit in everything. I want to interceed on my brothers and sisters behalf, knowing God’s ears are not too dull to hear, nor His arm too short to reach. I want to speak when He says speak, go when He says go, stay when He says stay, and pray what He says to pray. Will we love one another well enough to fight for each other in prayer and help carry each others burdens? I pray there will be less of me and more of Him each day.
