Podcasts religion Wilderness Wanderings Standing in the Gap

Standing in the Gap

Published: Nov. 2, 2020, 11 a.m.

We welcome back Mr. Rick Verkerk as guest to Wilderness Wanderings. He continues his five-part series on praying for others.

Last time I talked about how intercessory prayer requires a \u2018person in the middle\u2019, referring to it as standing in the gap, between the person in need and God. Today, I want to explore why its important to be people in the middle.

In Ezekiel 22, we read about the sins of Jerusalem and it is summarized in verse 30:

\xa0\u201cI looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.\u201d

Do you believe that your prayers of intercession will change anything? Or do you think that life will go on as is whether you pray or not? Before you answer, reflect on what was stated in Ezekiel 22:30. Would the history of Israel have been different if God had found an intercessor? Of course, yes.\xa0 So now another question: will your family, neighbourhood, church, and/or work be different if you intercede on their behalf?

God seeks intercessors not because He needs us but because he has chosen to govern through the prayers of his people. Intercession is not an option. It\u2019s God\u2019s way of working. Ezekiel 22 shows us that intercessors \u201cwho would build up the wall and stand in the gap\u201d are critical.\xa0 Today, we have an intercessor, Jesus Christ, who ever lives to intercede on our behalf. But Christ does not work alone. Our intercessory prayers are coupled with his. By means of his Spirit, He prays through us.

E.M. Bounds said, \u201cPrayer can do anything God can do.\u201d That\u2019s true because the only power in prayer is the power of God, which can reach anywhere God can reach, which is every corner of the earth. Therefore, our prayers can bless or bring change anywhere in the world. And all from wherever we are praying \u2013 in a favourite chair, on our knees, anywhere. What an awesome power God has given us!\xa0 Our first focus should be on those close to us - family, friends \u2013 but not exclude, rather expand to our spiritual family, neighbours, community, nation and world.

Who in your family, neighbourhood, at work or church is like the friend who came at midnight? (Luke 11:5-8) What kind of help do they need that is beyond your ability to give? Are you willing to stand in the gap for them?