Answers To Intercessory Prayer (1 Kings 8:54-61; Hebrews 7:20-28)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
11 October 2020
The glorious Jewish temple was completed. King Solomon then prayed an intercessory prayer for the nation thereby indicating that despite the achievement of completing the temple he felt the need to pray. He and his people had not yet "arrived".
Consider Solomon's intercessory prayer with particular reference to the blessings that follow intercessory prayer. Solomon points us to Jesus Christ who himself prayed intercessory prayers.
Intercessory prayer is profound. It means you are praying as if you are the person prayed for. It is identifying with the person's pain and needs. It is therefore intensive and personal. Jesus in his intercessory prayers identifies himself with us. He personally takes our place. This is the essence of intercession — identifying with other people and their need.
Intercessory prayer is prevailing. The Lord hears all prayer but it seems intercessory prayer in particular touches his heart. The prayers of Jesus surely touch the heart of our heavenly Father and are effective. Our prayers are effective if only because Jesus carries them for us.
Consider the blessings that come through intercessory prayer.
First, Solomon blesses the Lord. He is enabled to worship the Lord God by the Spirit of God. It is a blessing to be able to bless the Lord. We by nature do not do this but by the work of the Spirit we are delivered from unbelief and worship him.
Next comes the blessing of peace with God. Solomon reports to his people that there is rest. This rest is fulfilment of promises given by God throughout history. God keeps his promises. Not a word will fail. God declares peace upon his people. One of the first things Jesus said after his resurrection was “Peace to you.” There is no condemnation — only rest and peace. What a blessing!
Another blessing is the fact that the Lord will not leave his people. Just as the Lord never forsook the Hebrew fathers so he will never forget his people today. The fact that God never forsakes his people means that his people cannot lose their salvation. They may backslide and at times do silly things but they are held safely in the hands of Jesus.
Further blessing that comes from intercessory prayer is the presence of the Holy Spirit who inclines our hearts to walk in the ways of the Lord. How can we do this unless the Spirit inclines us? From beginning to end it is the Holy Spirit who works in us. What a blessing that he should do this.
Our prayers are before the Lord day and night. They are registered in heaven and although we may not immediately see answers to our prayers they are not forgotten. They are not forgotten because Jesus lives forever making intercession for us. Do not be discouraged. Persevere in prayer. Heart-felt prayer touches a feeling God. Remember, persistent prayer is prevailing prayer.
Finally, another blessing is that the Lord maintains our cause. God is a God of purpose and he has purposed to save his people from this fallen world. He does this so that the Saviour, Christ Jesus, would be glorified. He does it so that the church can be a witness to the whole world that there is only one God. Our Creator is a God of purpose and we live with purpose. We are created in his image.
Never give up on intercessory prayer. Jesus never gives up on us. He ever lives to make intercession for us. Praise his name.