On the Joy of Intercessory Prayer

For 31 years I prayed for a spiritual breakthrough to the awareness that Christ was not ashamed of him. There was incredible joy as he stood with me on a soccer field near my home and shared that it had finally become clear. He cited a work by John Piper which I had given him as a major factor in his transformative epiphany. While those 31 years included moments of barrenness; nevertheless I sensed that the effort wasn't going to be futile.

About five years ago when praying in our local congregational prayer group we were bringing yet-to-be saved spouses before the throne of grace. On one occasion, my identification with one of the situations broke my heart and I couldn't refrain from crying. The work in my heart was a melting of a critical spirit toward these men and a growing capacity to trust God's timing and response. I count it a privilege to remember these before Him and delight in what He will do.

If the "joy of the Lord is my strength," then where am I most likely to experience that joy? The time spent in intercessory prayer is fertile ground in which the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of joy. The spiritual pulse of a congregation may be taken by the degree to which the saints intentionally pursue prayer as a primary means of grace. In that personal and collective prayer time the spiritual food of the sermon, the Sunday School learnings, the missionary zeal, the fellowship of care groups, etc. is digested. This results in the transformation of our Christian mind, the shaping of our natural and religious affections, and the renewal of our wills for new obedience.

I am gratified by the support of the covenant community leadership where my family worships; that they are committed to growing the intentional intercessory prayer opportunities within our body life. I know that those who are drawn to consider life together with us will be blessed with a characteristic joy and excitement, as we see our faithful Lord stooping to hear and respond to His children's prayers.

See you at the Potter's wheel!
G.K. Sexton

"Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name. Ask that you may receive that your joy may be full."  John 16:24