Intercessory Prayer: First Samuel 12:23.

Intercessory Prayer

1 Samuel 12:23: Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

James 5:13-18.

1. Intercessory prayer--our work.

a. Christians are a “holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5); Hebrews 4:14-16.

b. Each Christian has the responsibility to pray for others.

Paul in Romans 1:9; Colossians 1:9; I Thessalonians 3:10.

The Church prayed for Peter in Acts 12:5.

2. Intercessory prayer our pattern.

a. Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:44.

During the Last Supper, Jesus in Luke 22:31-32.

In Gethsemane Jesus prayed for us, John 17:9.

At the cross, Luke 23:34.

b. Jesus’ continuing ministry in glory involves intercessory prayer, Hebrews 7:25.

c. We need to be like Christ, and we must pray for others and one another.

3. Intercessory prayer--our opportunities (James 5:13-16).

a. v. 13: Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.

b. v. 13: Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

c. v. 14, Sickness.

One of the OT names of God is Jehovah--Rapha “The Lord That Heals You.”

d. Sins, vv. 15-16.