Praise the Lord!
Day 4 of Intimacy in Prayer.
Today's focus is on how we interconnect in prayer, rejoice in the answered prayers of others and anticipate the joy that comes when someone's name comes off the waiting list! By understanding the depth and maturity of prayer, we can celebrate the moments when prayers are lifted from the "waiting list" and fulfill their divine purpose. Enjoy!
Pulled off the Waiting List
Luke 1:11-13: "And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. When Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, 'Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.'"
Zacharias served the Lord by offering incense at specific times, morning and evening. The smoke from this incense symbolized the prayers and worship of the people rising to God (Exodus 30). This continuous offering signifies that we should always be in prayer (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
While Zacharias was in the temple, the people outside were also praying (Luke 1:10). It’s a powerful reminder to "pray for or with those who are praying for you."
This highlights the role of the intercessor, who often receives requests for prayer but may go uncovered for themselves. Who is interceding for the intercessors? Imagine the heavens being filled with 24/7 prayer—intercessors praying for others and receiving prayers in return. This mutual covering in fervent, Spirit-led prayer transcends the flesh, overcomes spiritual darkness in the second heaven and seats us in the glory realm with the Lord. What could unfold through such intensity and intimacy in prayer? It could ignite prophetic messages, open the hearts and ears of intercessors to receive divine guidance and answers.
This leads us to the concept of prophetic intercession, which is spontaneous utterances guided by the Holy Ghost, bringing the needs of others before God. It involves three key elements:
When a prayer matures, it means that a request has been fulfilled and removed from the heavenly bowls of incense (Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). This signifies that someone’s prayer is coming "off the waiting list"—it has been perfected and has prevailed, resulting in a timely answer to a desire.
Zacharias and Elizabeth's prayer was "pulled from the waiting list" while he served in the temple. Imagine you are standing in the right place offering up pure worship and the Lord sends a word! In spite of his doubts, the manifestation of their prayer was not hindered; it was simply the right time according to God’s timing.
With this in mind, Let us consistently pray for those who pray for us, mirroring the unity between the Holy Ghost and Jesus with the Father. As we intercede, the Holy Ghost, who knows God’s mind, intercedes on our behalf. Romans 8: 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. By the time our prayers reach Heaven, they are perfected according to God’s will. And remember, Jesus continually intercedes for us.
Celebrate today for those whose prayers are being answered! As we speak, they are being fulfilled. Just as the people were eager to hear, I anticipate that someone’s name will come off the waiting list! If that’s you, I rejoice in your freedom and victory!
Blessings
PEB