Praying For God's Intervention Series

PRAYING FOR GOD'S INTERVENTION

Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 20, 2023

"16 He saw that there was no man. and wondered that there was no one to intercede; Then his own arm brought him salvation. and his righteousness upheld him. 17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing.

and wrapped himself in zeal like a cloak. 18 According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies; to the coastlands, he will render repayment." Isaiah 59:16-18

INTRODUCTION

In Isaiah, God's intervention and deliverance are powerfully portrayed. God brought salvation even though there was no one to act as a mediator. He adorned Himself with justice, salvation, and retribution, prepared to pay back His opponents and enemies for their actions. Even the most remote coastlands will see His restitution.

Asking God for help and direction in trying or challenging circumstances is known as praying for His intervention. It is a decision to give up on our own strength and rely on God's strength and wisdom to solve our problems or deliver us. It declares our reliance on Him and our faith in His capability to step in and effectuate a turn for the better. Knowing that God has ultimate control and can perform miracles in ways that go above and beyond our comprehension, praying for God to intervene also shows our recognition of His sovereignty and authority over all circumstances.

The Bible is replete with stories of men of faith who prayed and experienced God's intervention. Abraham, who prayed for a son and was granted Isaac, Moses, who prayed for deliverance from Egypt and saw the Red Sea part, and Daniel, who prayed for safety in the lion's den and was miraculously saved, are some of the great figures of faith who prayed and experienced God's intervention. These people show how prayer can result in divine intervention and show God's faithfulness to those who put their faith in Him.

1. GOD WONDERS WHEN NO ONE PRAYS.

Prayer is a powerful tool that allows individuals to connect with God and seek His guidance, comfort, and intervention. However, when people neglect to pray, God wonders about their faith and trust in Him. Through prayer, we express our dependence on God and invite Him to work in our lives. Therefore, consistent, and sincere prayer is essential to maintaining a strong relationship with God and experiencing His intervention.

He longs for a relationship with His children and desires to be involved in their lives. Prayer is a means of communication and an act of surrender and dependence on God. When individuals choose not to pray, they miss out on the opportunity to experience the transformative power of God's presence and the blessings that come from aligning their hearts with His will.

"For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ," Philippians 1:19

The apostle Paul expresses his confidence in the power of prayer and the provision of the Holy Spirit. He understood that through the prayers of others, he would experience deliverance and support from God. This highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and how it can bring about supernatural intervention in our lives. Additionally, Paul's words remind us that prayer is not just one-way communication but a partnership with God where we actively participate in His work through our prayers.

Paul recognized that the prayers of the Philippians, combined with the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, would lead to his ultimate deliverance. This demonstrates his deep faith in God's ability to work through the prayers of believers and to provide the necessary support in times of need. When no one intercedes for others, God wonders, but at the same time, He makes it His duty to intervene on behalf of His people.

"And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” Genesis 17:18: Why? Abraham's plea for Ishmael to live before God reflects his desire for God's favour and blessings upon his son. As a loving father, Abraham wanted the best for Ishmael and hoped that God would extend His grace and mercy towards him. This request also highlights Abraham's trust in God's sovereignty and willingness to intercede on behalf of his loved ones.

"Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." —John 17:10–11 In this passage, Jesus is praying to God the Father, expressing his desire for unity among his disciples. He asks God to protect and guide them in His name, so that they may be united just as Jesus and the Father are united. This prayer reveals Jesus' deep love and concern for his followers and his understanding of the importance of unity in their mission.