Intercessory Prayer

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Colossians 1:9-12

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you…

It would be a useful exercise if we would give thanks for the gifts and graces of our brethren. I am afraid that we are more inclined to spy out their faults, and to suppose that we deplore them, than we are to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in them. Now, Paul surveyed the Church at Colosse, and observed their faith, love, and hope, and thanked God for them. But he noted that they were somewhat lacking in knowledge. They differed from the Corinthians, who abounded in talent and were enriched with knowledge. The Colossians had fewer gifted brethren, and as Paul would not have them come behind in any desirable attainment, he offered this prayer. He knew that spiritual ignorance is the constant source of error, instability, and sorrow; and therefore he desired that they might be soundly taught in the things of God. Intercessory prayer is —

I. A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE WORK OF CHRISTIANS FOR ONE ANOTHER. We are not sent into the world to live unto ourselves, but we are members of one body, and each member is expected to contribute to the health and comfort of the whole. We cannot all preach or distribute alms, but we can all pray.

II. AN INVALUABLE PROOF OF LOVE and the creator of more love. The man who will pray for me, will forgive me if I offend him, and relieve me if I am in necessity.

III. AN INFALLIBLE MEANS OF OBTAINING THE BLESSINGS WE DESIRE FOR OUR FRIENDS. The unselfish devotion which pleads as eagerly for others as for itself is so pleasing to God that He puts great honour upon it. If we desire any blessing for them, our best course is to pray. If we wish them converted, taught of God, quickened to a nobler life, etc., take the case to God in prayer.

IV. WILL BE ALL THE MORE VALUABLE IF IT IS OUR IMMEDIATE RESORT. "Since the day we heard it." Paul began to pray at once. Whenever you perceive the holy change begun, pray at once that it may proceed with power, and we shall find that God in answering quickly gives a double blessing. He who wins earthly riches is most diligent in their pursuit, and he shall be richest towards God who is most diligent in supplication.

V. WILL BE ALL THE MORE VALUABLE IF THEY ARE INCESSANT as well as immediate. "We cease not." He was always praying for them in the sense he explains, "and to desire." Desire is the essence of prayer. Though you cannot be always speaking in prayer, you can be always desiring. The act of prayer is blessed, the habit more so, the spirit most so, and this can continue for months and years.

VI. WILL BE INCREASED IN VALUE IF OFFERED IN UNION WITH OTHER SAINTS. "We also." "In two of you agree as touching My kingdom." Here is Paul, and with him youthful Timothy, who, compared with Paul, is inconsiderable; yet Paul's prayer is all the more effectual because Timothy's is joined to it. Our Lord sent out His servants two and two, and it is well when they come back to Him in prayer two and two. "The habit of frequent prayer together is to be commended.

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