Today’s readings speak of the value of intercession. The Lord calls us to come to a place in our spirituality that we can become an intercessor for others. To be an intercessor we should have an intimate relationship with our Creator and seek His face every day. He wants us to take time out to talk to Him. As we come to His feet everyday the Father will begin to reveal His true nature, His heart and mind to us.

An example of this is given in today’s First Reading as Abraham had developed a relationship with God over the years, he was able to freely talk to God and intercede on behalf of the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. The same thing can take place in our lives when we build a relationship with God.

When we know God intimately, we will not have the desire to pray for ourselves alone but also for others. We will be so secure in our relationship with God that we know that He will take care of our every need. Today’s second reading reveals that one of the greatest intercessors is our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus knew that we would lead weak, defeated lives and He prays to the Father and sacrificed His life so we would be able to live a life free of sin.
The Lord Jesus gave us victory by nailing our sins to the cross. He had the most intimate relationship with the Father and therefore was able to intercede on our behalf and become the sacrifice needed to free us completely.

In today’s Gospel proclamation the Lord Jesus gives us the format of intercessory prayer. The disciples wanted to begin a relationship with God the Father and asked the Lord Jesus how they should pray. The Lord Jesus taught them ‘the Lord’s Prayer’ to build their relationship with God.
Why does God need us to intercede? If it is God’s will to give the Holy Spirit, why does He want us to intercede? Although God can act sov- ereignly, He prefers to work with human partners.

Sometimes, when there is no one to partner with Him, in that place the intervention of God will be missing. God needs a person to intervene. That is what intercessors are called to. The Lord Jesus encourages us to pray and intercede persistently for people. “So, I say to you; Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)
Prayer: Abba Father, bless me with the gift of hearing your voice so that I may engage in prophetic intercession. Amen.