To intercede means to take the place of another in prayer. Intercession does not mean praying with someone for their needs but in place of those not praying for themselves. Since we are all sinful and weak, we all have gaps in our prayers and need someone else to "stand in the gap," to take our place, to intercede. "Thus I have searched among them for someone who could build a wall or stand in the breach" (Ez 22:30).
Often we don't feel like taking other people's places. We've got enough holes in our own lives and prayers, without having to fill others' gaps. But the Lord calls each of us to take each other's places, and some are called to intercede in a great way.
Moses became a great intercessor. He didn't feel like standing in for the Israelites in prayer, especially after their disobedience and constant complaining, but he did. He prayed to God: "Let Your blazing wrath die down; relent in punishing Your people" (Ex 32:12). "So the Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people" (Ex 32:14).
This Lent, this life, save a nation, save a soul, save a life. Intercede.
| PRAYER: | Father, some great intercessors reading this have not accepted or developed their gift of intercession. May we grow in intercession and be used by You for evangelism. |
| PROMISE: | "Yet I have testimony greater than John's, namely, the works the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works which I perform testify on My behalf." –Jn 5:36 |
| PRAISE: | Fr. Ted was concerned about so few people making Confessions in his parish. He stationed two intercessors in the Church to pray for the parish during Confession times. Within a short time, Confession lines were so long that he gladly had to increase weekly Confession hours. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College