The Sacred Duty of Intercessory Prayer for the Lost

Interceding for the lost is a sacred duty and a high privilege where you act as God's agent to speak words of vital interest to souls in needPr 244.2. This work requires a deep, personal connection with Christ and a heart overflowing with His love to awaken conviction in the sinnerPr 244.2+1.

The Role of Christ and the Holy Spirit

Our efforts are never solitary, as we have powerful advocates in the heavenly sanctuary.

• The Great Intercessor: Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for us before the Father, having fulfilled the conditions of the contract made in heaven for the redemption of man Hebrews 7:25Hvn 73.2+2.

• The Divine Link: Christ encircles the human race with His human arm while grasping the throne of the Infinite with His divine arm, uniting earth with heavenCG 525.4+1.

• The Spirit’s Help: When we are at a loss for words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with unutterable groanings, transmuting our unspoken desires into petitions before the throne of God Romans 8:26GCDB March 22, 1891, page 200.9+1.

• Heavenly Cooperation: As you pray and labor for souls, Jesus adds His own intercession to your prayers and claims the gift of the Holy Spirit for the repentant sinnerPr 244.2.

How to Pray for the Lost

Effective intercession involves more than just words; it requires a transformation of the self and a focused spirit.

• Self-Denial: When self dies, an intense desire for the salvation of others is awakened, leading to persevering and importunate prayersPr 246.1.

• Simplicity and Sincerity: Your words do not need to be eloquent; simplicity and sincerity are the highest forms of eloquence and are registered in the books of heavenPr 244.2.

• Specific Petitions: We are to pray for wisdom and success in saving souls, asking God to give us the right words to reach individuals without causing offensePr 246.1+1.

• United Prayer: There is great power when the church or small groups gather daily to pray specifically for the success of soul-winning efforts Matthew 18:196MR 376.1+1.

The Impact of Intercessory Prayer

Praying for others brings blessings not only to the recipient but also to the one offering the prayer.

• Personal Growth: As you bear the burden of souls in prayer, your own heart will throb with the quickening influence of God's grace, and your Christian life will become more of a realityPr 244.2+1.

• Winning Souls: Earnest, broken, and humble petitions ascend to Christ, who then cooperates with the worker to make a lasting impression on human heartsPr 246.1+1.

• Joy in Heaven: Your faithful intercession contributes to the repentance of sinners, which causes joy in the presence of the angels of God Luke 15:10Pr 244.2.

• A World-Wide Responsibility: No one prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone; we must include our neighbors and the "great web of humanity" in our petitionsPr 244.2.

Scriptural Examples of Intercession

The Bible provides numerous examples of those who stood in the gap for others.

• Abraham: He pleaded with God for the residents of Sodom, showing the persistence of a heart that loves the lost Genesis 18:23-32.

• Moses: He frequently fell on his face to intercede for the rebellious children of Israel, even asking to be blotted out of God's book if they could not be forgiven Exodus 32:31-32+1BDOC 82.5.

• Samuel: He recognized that it would be a sin against the Lord to cease praying for the people 1 Samuel 12:23.

• Paul: His ministry was characterized by deep anguish and many sleepless nights spent in earnest prayer for the churches and the unconverted Romans 10:1TT 158.2.

We must make the seeking of the lost a "business," relying entirely on the merits of our crucified and risen Saviour who continues His work of intercession todayDG 122.1+2. 🌿