Intercessory Prayer

Exodus 32:11, 14 & 32Then Moses entreated the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?” And “So the LORD changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people.” And “But now, if You will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!” 

     Moses was acting as an intersessor. He was standing between the two parties and acting as an intermediary. God was angry with the people. Moses stood between them. 
     Moses loved the people. From his early days in Egypt, he was defending them. He killed an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew. That’s what banished him. While in the wilderness, he was a father and a shepherd. He continued in his role of caring for others. He is doing it on a very large scale. 
     Do we love others? Are we willing to give of ourselves to assist them? This means putting our lives on hold. In reality, it becomes a portion of our life. Part of us should be defined by giving of ourselves. This love shouldn’t be out of obligation; nor out of anxiety or frustration. We should be able to give to others out of love.

     God wants us to pray for others. This is demonstrating love for them. We are to go to God for them. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” 
     The next verse in James speaks of Elijah as an example of an effective prayer of a righteous man. Do we believe that God answers prayer? He does and will. At times our burden for others prompts us fast and pray. God will hear us.
     Lord, thank You that You want us to grow in love that we will give by way of prayer. Help us to believe in it’s power and to give of ourselves to do so.