Intercessory Prayer (Lamentations 2:16-22)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
3 July 2022
Intercessory prayer is prayer offered up for others rather than self. It involves standing alongside others before the throne of God. In this regard intercessors are like Christ, the great intercessor.
Observe from Jeremiah’s Lamentations things that lead to intercessory prayer and then observe some characteristics of intercessory prayer.
First, desperate times lead to desperate prayers. Jeremiah lamented his times. His people were in captivity seemingly on the verge of destruction. He prayed intercessory prayers as one standing with his people during her Babylonian captivity.
Jesus came into a desperate situation. He came into a world seemingly devastated by the devil. Jesus prayed intercessory prayers.
Secondly, the taunting of enemies leads to intercessory prayers. Israel's enemies were waiting for the day Israel would suffer and be destroyed. They rejoiced that that day had apparently come.
The enemies of Jesus taunted him when he was nailed to the cross. Yet Jesus prayed intercessory prayers for those who mocked him..."forgive them for they do not know what they do."
Thirdly, the recognition of God’s sovereign hand in all circumstances leads to intercessory prayers. The prophet said “The Lord has done what he purposed” (2:17). Things do not happen by chance but by the providence of God. Upon this realisation we can pray purposefully.
Jesus recognised the Father's sovereignty. He submitted to the divine will which necessitated suffering and death.
Consider now some of the characteristics of intercessory prayer.
It entails deep cries. Intercessory prayers are groaning prayers. God hears not only our words but our groans which cannot be expressed.
It brings forth weeping. Jeremiah wept. Jesus wept. Intercessors not only speak; they weep.
It is relentless. Jeremiah said, “Give yourself no relief; give your eyes no rest” (2:18).
Intercessory prayer reasons with God. The prophet says, ”See, O Lord, and consider." He enters into holy argument with God. How many of us know to reason with God? He invites us to reason with him (Isaiah 1:18).
It is for others, not for self. The prophet thought about the needs of the children (2:19). Intercessors put aside personal needs and stand in the gap. Jesus put aside his own needs and stood in the gap for others.
Intercessory prayer is generally prayed in isolation. The intercessor knows what it is to be in solitude. Jeremiah was a loner. Jesus was accustomed to seasons of solitude. On the mountain and in the garden our Lord travailed in prayer.
Finally, let us note that intercessory prayer will lead to a greater knowledge of the Lord, in particular his mercies and compassion (3:22,23).
Though Israel is in deep trouble it is not consumed because God is merciful to her. Christians can fall into great trouble yet they will not be consumed because Jesus the great high priest has prayed intercessory prayers for them.
With Jesus as our representative we have every confidence to pray. God does not reject his people. He has sent Jesus into this world to save his people from their sins. His intercessory prayers reach heaven and return to earth answered. To God be the glory.