Pondering Prayer

Scriptures have been running through my brain today… I’m thinking and meditating, chewing, and debating with myself. Could you ponder these things with me as I attempt to organize the chaos of my thoughts?

Prayer

It’s a simple word. It’s a simple thing; bringing our requests, our praises, our thoughts to the Great Listener.

But here’s what’s got me turned inside-out. I’m confounded and perplexed; awed and amazed.

Jesus Makes Intercession For Me. There it is.

Yes, He died and bore my sins. But even more, He lives! Not only does He live, he Lives to make intercession for me. For me. For you.

This morning I gained new perspective on “Praying in Jesus’ name.” I’ve been taught it’s more than a simple “In Jesus’ name, amen;” that it’s actually praying according to His character; praying as He would pray. And all of a sudden this means so much more because what I pray, He takes to the Father on my behalf. What I pray, He prays for me.

He is my mediator. He is the middleman doing the work I cannot. He’s my High Priest entering the Holy of Holies, bringing requests and supplications before Almighty-before a God so sacred and set apart none could stand in His presence and live. None is worthy, except the Lamb.

There’s a battle being fought before the throne. A war is waged at my expense as the enemy stands accusing me day and night. I can almost hear his snide remarks- She’s unfaithful. She’s a liar. She’s proud and unteachable. The Father hears the endless allegations, considering the charges as He’s drawn to a scent- a sweet smelling aroma. My mediator is interceding on my behalf; Jesus is reconciling and intervening as only He is able.

There you have it- My mind blowing impression of Heaven, prayer, and the work being done.

Will this change the way I pray? I HOPE SO! As I consider the enemy accusing my children, my friends, my unsaved loved ones, those I know are suffering- I realize our only hope is in prayer; my prayers being uttered by Jesus Himself before an Almighty God. A sweet smelling aroma in the heavenlies.

Take my prayers out of the equation and what’s left? Allegations of the accuser filling the ears of Almighty God.

Pray in Jesus’ name? Pray, sisters! Wage war! Because the works that He did you will do also; and greater works than these you will do, because He is before the throne. And whatever you ask in His name, that He will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in His name, HE WILL DO IT. (John 14:12-14)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter! Do you think Jesus takes our very prayers to the throne and presence of God Himself? Does He utter our praises and requests for us?

No one can come to the Father except through Him.

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