“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30)
Love seeks the good of others and places other first (1 Corinthians 13:5), thus when you’re full of God’s love you’ll be concerned about the needs of others and be motivated to intercede on their behalf—love will make you an intercessor. Walking in love makes you a man or woman who is genuinely interested in the progress of others, and of course, one sure way to help others move forward and make progress in life is by praying for them.
When God’s love fills your heart, you stop all the “give me” type of prayers; your prayer life will expand beyond praying for you and your immediate family because you look at the whole world with God’s eyes of love. You become passionate about seeing people fulfill their destinies in God and become God’s dream for them, and this drives you to intercede for them.
Also, love doesn’t take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. There’re folks who are happy when someone is going through some trouble, that’s not the love-attitude, and it’s wrong. When someone is going through trying times or experiencing some kind of trouble, get on your knees before the Lord and intercede on the person’s behalf. That’s the love-response.
When God told Abraham He wanted to destroy Sodom (Genesis 18), Abraham didn’t say, “Go right ahead Lord! They’re such a sinful bunch!” They deserve what’s coming to them!” No. Abraham interceded for them, in spite of their great wickedness. That’s prayer borne out of a heart of love. Today, you can locate where you are in your love-walk. Don’t be so concerned about your own immediate needs such that you neglect your calling as one ordained of God to stand in the gap and intercede for others. Don’t tell tales about the misfortune of others, rather pray for them.
Let God’s love dominate you and inspire your actions. Let that love drive you to wake up in the middle of the night to pray about the evangelization of the world! Let that love motivate you to pray for orphans, the homeless, destitutes and many around the world who are incarcerated for preaching the gospel! This is the heart of the intercessor—the one in whom the love of God has truly gained the ascendancy.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for filling my heart with your love and giving me a heart that is genuinely concerned about the plight of other people. I pray for orphans, the homeless, destitutes and those who are in prison for preaching the gospel, that not only will they experience your love and be comforted, that their situations be turned around for good, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Further Study:
Isaiah 53:12; 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 GNB
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
