Be a Willing Intercessor
ICS Daily Devotions

Romans 8:26 (NKJV) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

As a New Testament believer, we can partner with the Holy Spirit who will intercede for us with groaning and through tongues when we are unable to articulate our prayers in known languages. Because the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God, which is always good and perfect, we should welcome the Holy Spirit to pray through us freely, even if we may feel slightly uncomfortable or are unaware of what He is praying through us in tongues. This is the reason why the Apostle Paul encourages us to pray in both the understanding and in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:15 (NKJV) What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

We pray in a known language when we pray in the understanding, but when we pray in the spirit, we pray in tongues, which is a prayer language in this context. When we pray in the spirit, our “inner man” is also edified and strengthened, so it is a double blessing! We should not despise praying in tongues because it allows us to work with the Holy Spirit in praying through a situation that God has put on our hearts, especially when we are weak, or we don’t know what the burden is about. Therefore, when you have a burden to intercede, you should pray in tongues until the burden is lifted from your heart.

All of us would love to have people praying for us—it allows us to experience the grace of God carrying us through the crisis and witness the work of God’s hands throughout the whole process. Likewise, there will be times when we need to stand in the gap to intercede for those who are going through tough challenges. They may be your loved ones, relatives, colleagues, church members or whoever the Holy Spirit moves you to pray for.

We need each other especially when we are hard pressed on every side. Therefore, we should learn to take time to intercede or stand in the gap for one another whenever the situation warrants for it. In fact, God is always looking for someone to stand in the gap for others whenever there is a need, so that He can act justly, righteously and prevent the work of the devil.

Sermon Series: Partnering God in Prayer