Tag Archives: intercession

August 4
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“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”  (Job 42:10, NIV)

Praying for our friends (particularly when they have rubbed us the wrong way — as friends are in an excellent position to since they are close to us and know our crimes and inconsistencies) can be a difficult choice.

In Job’s case, his friends began well at the beginning of his afflictions: They came to Job and sat with him for a week, saying nothing, but being present just the same.  Then, they began to give advice.  It was sincere advice, but it wasn’t intelligent advice.  Their advice grieved Job.

At the end of Job’s ordeal, it was time for reconciliation.  Job could have borne a grudge but, in obedience to God, Job prayed for his friends.

We can do our friends no greater service than to take what all we know of their crises, burdens, fears, and joys to the Lord in prayer.  (We impede the work of God when we choose to gossip, pontificate, and prognosticate about the situations of our friends.)

Pray for your friends, as only true friends can.   – Luther

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February 12
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“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

If it is true that we make trouble for ourselves because, as J. B. Phillips titled his classic book, “Your God is Too Small”; the same might also be said because we think some matters of our life are too small for our heavenly Father’s attention.

We ought to accept the biblical challenge to acknowledge God in everything — large and small — whether in decisions or in giving thanks.

Through the Holy Spirit — Whom Jesus Himself referred to as the “Helper” — we have a companion who knows well the path; we have an intercessor who knows the mind of God; we have an energizer to sustain us; a teacher to educate us.

However, the Helper helps only by invitation.  If we do not have, it is only because we have not asked.  – Luther

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July 18
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“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10, NIV)

Praying for our friends (particularly when they have rubbed us the wrong way — as friends are in an excellent position to since they are close to us and know our “crimes” and our inconsistencies) can be a difficult choice.

In Job’s case, his friends did well at the beginning of his afflictions: They came to Job and sat with him for a whole week, saying nothing, but being present just the same. Then, they began to give advice. It was sincere advice, but it wasn’t intelligent advice.  Their advice grieved Job.

At the end of Job’s ordeal, it was time for reconciliation. Job could have borne a grudge but, in obedience to God, Job prayed for his friends. 

We can do our friends no greater service than to take what all we know of their crises, burdens, fears, and joys to the Lord in prayer.  (We impede the work of God when we choose instead to gossip, pontificate, speculate and prognosticate about the situations of our friends.)

Pray for your friends, as only true friends can.  – Luther

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