To Intercede

And (if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, HCSB)

And if My people who are called by My name become humble and pray, and look for Me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, ERV)

And (if) My people (who are known by My name) humbly pray, follow My commandments, and abandon any actions or thoughts that might lead to further sinning, then I shall hear their prayers from My house in heaven, I shall forgive their sins, and I shall save their land from the disasters. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, VOICE)

Not only are we called to be in community, but we are asked to pray for one another as well. When we are intentional to pray for those around us, we are interceding on their behalf. This can be individually, for a group, a city, state, nation or the world. Incredibly, because of Jesus, there is no specific way nor are there fancy words we need to say to intercede. God hears every utterance, petition and thought lifted to Him by those who earnestly seek Him. Right now, there is much need for intercession. The needs that surround us are many, and there is much longing for God to bring healing, health, hope and wholeness to all. May we ever seek the Lord and humbly pray, turning away from our sinful ways, and trust that God will be faithful to forgive and bring help as only He can do.

Called and commanded,

To seek God and pray;

To lift up others,

Ask Him show the way.

The way for healing,

For help and true hope;

Provision and peace,

Through Him we can cope.

Lead us Lord Jesus,

Humbly, to choose seek;

To pray for others,

When all seems quite bleak.

By faith, help us trust,

All that You will bring;

Hope, help and healing,

Our reasons to sing.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to intercede for those around us, both locally and globally. Thank You that when we slow down and look at what is going on, we notice places where Your presence is desperately needed. Forgive us for neglecting to turn to You to pray when we see needs that we don’t know how to meet. Teach us to turn to You in trust and ask for Your help and healing for our families, communities, nations and beyond. Show us how to help practically as well, so that we may be vessels that demonstrate the depth and breadth of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to intercede for those around us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

All humanity will come to You, the One who hears prayer. – Psalm 65:2

Humbly Seeking

If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

As Solomon dedicated the temple to God, he prayed and asked God to forgive the people if they would seek Him when they had sinned. God, in His great mercy and love, responded as written above. The conditions God gave the people then, are still the same expectations He has for us today. When we sin, we are to: humble ourselves and admit our sin before Him, pray to God and ask Him to forgive us, seek Him continually, and turn away from the sinful behavior. “True repentance is more than talk – it is changed behavior. Whether we sin individually, as a group, or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will answer our earnest prayers.” – (NIV footnotes – 2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

Not one of us have yet arrived. We all are in need of seeking our Savior continually – for ourselves, for our families, for our communities, and for our nation. May we see His healing touch each of these areas in our lives.

 

May each of us call,

upon our great Lord;

and humbly seek,

in prayerful accord.

Turning from our sin,

changing all our ways;

embracing His truth,

as we seek His face.

Listen to the Lord,

and watch how He moves;

as He heals our lives,

and demonstrates truth.

For the Lord is good,

He’s faithful always;

may we seek His grace,

for all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises. Thank You that You are willing to hear us and forgive us and heal us, if we will seek You and pray to You. Thank You that You are loving and kind, merciful and gracious. Thank You that You draw us unto Yourself. Forgive us for our sinfulness, and our self-reliance. Teach us to trust in You and turn to You in all things and at all times. May our dependence on You be contagious, and may our love through You be blaringly evident. Let those who are looking, find a forever faith in You. Be glorified as we humble ourselves and seek You in all that we say and do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell

in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6