Tag Archives: Prayer

10 Theses on Intercession

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  1. Intercession means praying for other people. 

The English word “intercede” comes from two words meaning to “go between”. The Greek word means to speak to someone on behalf of another. Intercession is one of the four central kinds of prayer, remembered by the acronym ACTS. In adoration, we praise God in our prayers (Ps. 34:1-3). In thanksgiving, we express gratitude to him (Ps. 9:1-2). In confession, we acknowledge our sins (Ps. 41:4). In supplication, we make requests, either for ourselves or for others—which is intercession. 

Scripture is filled with intercessory prayers. Abraham prayed that God would spare the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gn. 18). Moses prayed for the people of Israel, that God would turn his burning anger away from them (Ex. 32:11; Ps. 106:23). While the angel was striking Israel, David prayed for them (2Sm. 24:17). Paul prayed for others “constantly”, “night and day” (2Tm. 1:3). Jesus often prayed for others, including little children (Mt. 19:13). 

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer is the greatest example of intercessory prayer. In this prayer, Jesus interceded for those who believed in him (v. 20), with requests such as: (1) Knowledge of Christ (v. 3). (2) Eternal security (v. 11). (3) Unity (v. 11). (4) Joy (v. 13). (5) Protection from Satan (v. 15). (6) Sanctification (v. 17). (7) Seeing God’s glory (v. 24).

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Might Your Phone be the Problem?

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— Richard Peskett

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

There is an old spiritual song called, Give me Jesus. Here is the first verse:


In the morning, when I rise,

In the morning, when I rise,

In the morning, when I rise,

Give me Jesus.

When most Christians wake up in the morning, their mantra is not, “Give me Jesus,” but rather, “Give me my mobile phone.”

Did you know that the average mobile ownership in Africa, according to a recent survey of 34 African countries, is 84%? Telcom operators are targeting Africa with affordable phones to increase their use. Furthermore, it has recently been reported that South Africans spend more time on their screens than any other nation in the world. How much time is this? The report states that the average South African spends 58.2% of their day in front of screens, “with 22.5% of their day dedicated to scrolling social media.” Can this really be true? A recent guest in our home averaged over 10 hours a day on their phone.

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Review: A Guide to Prayer

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Isaac Watts, Banner of Truth, 186 pages, 4 of 5 stars

Isaac Watts, the Father of English Hymnody, has written my favorite book on prayer. The previous first choice had been Carson’s A Call to Spiritual Reformation. Watts is even better. For a full summary of the book, go HERE.

Four reasons this is my favorite book on prayer

First, it’s practical, surprisingly so. Watts argues that prayer has rules just like other skills. If medicine has rules for healing, then Christians must learn the rules for praying. Watts talks about everything relating to prayer, from the Spirit’s work, to the kinds prayer, the voice, the gestures, the motivations, the grace and the gifts of prayer.

Second, it’s short, under 200 pages. It’s also clear. Watts once wrote a famous book on logic, still in print. Short and clear is a great combo.

Third, it’s old. Watts was born in England in 1674. The book was first published in 1715. If the choice is between the latest best-selling book on prayer over at Amazon, or a prayer manual three centuries old, choose the latter.

Fourth, it’s written by a pastor. No other occupation on earth lists praying as it’s central job description. If you want to learn how to pray, find a godly pastor. They have experience and Bible verses for support. At age 28 Watts became the pastor of Mark Lane Chapel in London. He was an able pastor, his church growing from 74 to five hundred during his lengthy ministry.

A few tips for parents

Fathers and mothers could uses Watt’s book to teach their kids how to pray. Consider the following ways: Continue reading →

‘National Day of Prayer’ – True Piety or Tactful Politics?

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–– Chipita Sibale

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According to the 1996 Constitution, Zambia is officially a Christian nation, with 75% of the population having a Protestant attachment and 20% being Roman Catholic. This strong affiliation to Christianity has seen many declarations from political leaders. One such call is that of a “National Day of Prayer.” This holiday was established in Zambia in 2015 by former President Edgar Lungu. It has since become a national event and holiday, falling on the 18th of October.

It offers an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to take some extra time to reflect and pray. In order to observe the National Day of Prayer, fasting, repentance, and reconciliation in a reverential manner, all activities of an entertainment nature are postponed. At the same time, bars and food outlets remain closed between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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A Practical Way to Pray for Your Kids

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Every Christian parent knows they should pray for their kids. Job prayed for his children, even in their adulthood. He would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings on their behalf (Job 1:5). But prayer for children is easier said than done.

A parent’s prayers may fall into several ruts. There’s the Vague Ditch (“Lord, bless Johnny”), the Redundant Ditch (“Lord, help Johnny”), the Trivial Ditch, (“Lord, be with Johnny”), and the Carnal Ditch (“Lord, give Johnny good grades”).

There’s a place for all of these prayers, for sure, just as there’s a place for dessert. But you can’t live on dessert. Dessert prayers shouldn’t dominate your intercession for children any more than ice cream should dominate your dinner.

If the prayers for your children lack meat and potatoes vitality, here’s a practical solution. Choose a theme verse for each child, then pray that verse over them all year long.

Examples

Fathers should consider following this exercise each year. This is a big part of being a leader in the home. Dad must shepherd the heart of his children. He plans ahead. He has forethought. He knows his little lambs. “Know well the condition of your flocks”, Solomon says (Pr. 27:23).

Find a verse that touches an important need. For example, suppose your son is nearing conversion. In his battle with sin he cannot determine if he’s a Christian. Consider choosing as his theme verse 2 Corinthians 13:5. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” Continue reading →

Show Me a Sign: How Missionaries Should Pray When Resistance Comes

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Christians should ask God for a sign. There are good and bad ways to do this. Many are bad. 

BAD SIGNS

There are few things more “churchy” on the continent of Africa than asking for a sign. The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is Sub-SaharaN Africa’s largest African-Initiated church. They have well over 5 million members. They live and die with signs and wonders. The denomination began through signs and wonders. They continue to ask for signs. Continue reading →