Intercession

"Make new friends, but keep the old . . .

One is silver and the other gold."

Thank God for friends! I do not believe it is coincidental when God crosses our paths in life with others. Sometimes the friend is there for a season and other times they are there for life. Some are used to sharpen us while others are there for encouragement and to bring joy.  Many may be fellow believers, and some may need to be encouraged in the faith.  Together, they make up what the Bible refers to as our "great cloud of witnesses". 

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1-2

I have carried a burden with a precious friend over the last several months ~ really over the last two years, well actually . . . I believe I have carried this friend in my heart for the past ten years of my life!

She left today for a season of solitude - a "social fast" she called it.  Before she had even boarded the plane, I felt the familiar "it" again in my heart....the burden, the heaviness.  Perhaps "it" is intercession.

In another part of my heart, I feel "it" as well.  A sweet friend remembers the birthday of her baby girl who went to be with the Lord before she even celebrated her first birthday.  My heart is heavy as I share in this mother's tenderness.  Perhaps "it" is intercession.


Intercession (dictionary.com)
1.  An interposing or pleading on behalf of another person.
2.  A prayer to God on behalf of another.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2 

I am thankful that God experiences "it" on my behalf.  I'm so thankful that He carries my burdens.

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:26-28

"Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us."  Romans 8:34