What is intercession? Yes, it's praying for circumstances or people
other than ourselves, but is that all we can say about it? Does it just amount to reading a shopping list to God, setting out a string of requests?
Moan
Elijah had one of his worst periods of depression following
his amazing triumph on Mount Carmel. If you don't know that story it's worth reading just for the adventure (see 1 Kings 18).
But within days of that victory Elijah was down on his knees having a moan. Here's how St Paul described it:
"Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? [SEE NOTE] how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars;
and I am left alone, and they seek my life."
(Romans 11:2,3 KJV)
Feeling
That's it! Elijah was ready to give up. He was complaining.
He was having a moan. But Paul called it "intercession". There's no shopping list here. This was prayer with feeling. Elijah was
desperate. He was afraid. He really cared. And it wasn't just about other people. He felt the pain in his own spirit.
The word that is translated as "intercession" is the Greek word "entynchanei". It is used five times in the New Testament.
It was seen in Romans 8:26 and will be seen in Hebrews 7:25 -
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
It is a petition on behalf or against a person or party. In the case of Elijah, he was petitioning "against Israel." This word is by no
means weak or gentle, and it challenges our understanding of intercession!
Is it right to be angry in prayer?
Is it right to be sad in prayer?
Is it right to let our emotions run free when talking to God?
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Burn
We don't have to work ourselves up into a frenzy when
we intercede but, if we feel strongly about the things we pray for, we don't need to hide it. God can take our emotion.
Better than that, he can use our emotion. Place your feelings on the altar and let them burn strongly. There's power in the
stuff that moves you. Be moved, and let it out.
"Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain,
and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
(James 5:17-18 NIVUK)
Let's learn from Elijah.