Intercession

How do we bring about lasting, irreversible, and authentic transformation? How do we move forward in a world that can be so terribly twisted? What do we do to truly and powerfully make a difference? For many, pointing toward prayer as a response to problems and hardship is believed to be a substitute for real action. Maybe prayer is legitimate when all other actions have been taken—something to do when nothing else can be done—but until then, a real difference is made by those who role up their sleeves and do something. To be sure, a real difference is made by those who role up their sleeves and do something, but Scripture’s teaching and vision for prayer is not prayer as a last ditch effort when nothing else works. Prayer is displayed as the forerunner to action, intertwined with action, and an action within itself. It is, at times, the very thing we do when we roll-up our sleeves to do something. When writing to the Colossians, Paul describes Epaphras as one that is “working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hieraplolis.” (Colossians 4:13). Taken alone, one might quickly assume that Epaphras is doing something physical. Maybe he’s raising money for them or counseling those in distress. But Paul identifies the work of Epaphras: “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12). So the intercession of Epaphras is referred to as work and as wrestling. When we consider the true nature of the problems we face, this is not surprising. If we face a physical problem physical solutions may do. But at the heart of humanity’s hardship is not a physical problem but a spiritual problem. For this reason, intercession is mission critical to the greatest of good we can do in this world. We are told to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” and to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18). Those who authentically follow Christ will consider carefully these exhortations. We do not want to labor in our own strength but want to be effective “with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:11).