NEWS & THOUGHTS ARCHIVE

Personal Intercession 

Evangelist Bob Sanders
April 1, 2008

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II Corinthians 12:7-8 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” 

The Bible specifically teaches the importance of praying for others! James the pastor of the church at Jerusalem said in his epistle, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). When speaking to the nation of Israel, Samuel the prophet of God said, “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” (I Samuel 12:23). In Job 42:7-9, God tells Job’s three friends to ask Job to play the part of an intercessor and stand between them and God. Paul reminds the believers at Colosse that he has not ceased praying for them, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,” (Colossians 1:9). 

While there is a great emphasis made on the importance of praying for others, we must not lose sight of the importance of praying for one’s self. James also said, “yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). Paul reminded the Thessalonians believers, “Pray without ceasing,” (I Thessalonians 5:17). In Luke 18, our Lord taught a parable with an emphasis on prayer, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1). Having heard Jesus pray, the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. He delivered what is known as the Model Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer. A careful examination will reveal that the largest portion, if not all the prayer is personal. Note the numerous personal pronouns in the prayer (see Luke 11:1-4). 

It is clear from scripture that Paul prayed for others. He has stood in the gap and made-up the hedge for the land. But, in II Corinthians 12, Paul has found it necessary to pray for himself. The art and effectiveness of public intercession is enhanced by private intercession.  

(I) The Timing of the Prayer – vs.7

I must admit that I have not always viewed Paul’s personal prayer in II Corinthians 12 from the positive side. The prayer can be perceived as an effort to overthrow God’s will if the timing of the prayer is not considered. When we open our Bibles and read this account, we must remember that Paul is writing of an event he views in the rearview mirror. He is writing after he has gathered all the facts and come to the full knowledge of truth concerning the thorn. Paul’s prayer is not sinful because of when he prayed! Paul prayed after the affliction, but before the answer. The only way Paul’s prayer could have taken on a sinful nature was if he continued to pray after God give him an answer. Paul’s prayer reveals the depth of Paul’s spiritual state. The most natural and most spiritual thing to do in the time of affliction is to take it to the Lord in prayer. Speaking of times of affliction, Peter admonishes the saints with these words, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:7). While it would not be the last time Paul would pray about his troubles, it would be the last time he would pray about his thorn. It is just as important to know when to pray as it is to know what to pray! 

(II) The Theme of the Prayer – vs.8

It does not take long to discern what Paul wants. Paul said, “For this thing I besought the Lord.” The word “for” means, in behalf of, over the sake of, very chiefest, concerning, exceedingly or very highly. Paul was preoccupied with the affliction of the thorn! The word “besought” means to call near, invite or invoke by imploration, to entreat. Paul has taken his case to the throne of heaven and he is earnest about his request. Is this not the kind of prayer that “availeth much?” James said, The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). James is making reference to the kind of prayer that is actively showing itself. Paul wants rid of this thorn and he has brought it to God’s attention. I have discovered that there is a great difference between telling God what you want and telling God what to do! The first is encouraged and the second if condemned. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Have you become personal with God? 

(III) The Triumph of the Prayer – vs.9

The triumph of Paul’s prayer was not in getting what he wanted, but getting what he needed. It was only after Paul had prayed that he discovered that there were two parts to the affliction; pain and provision. While the thorn would bring pain to the body, grace would bring provision to the spirit. Sufficiency would be discovered in suffering. There was not only discovery in the prayer, but there was deliverance in the prayer. While the thorn was allotted, the grace must be appropriated. Paul could either spend all of his time resisting his thorn or resting in His Grace. God said, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). Paul’s triumph was not in Paul’s prayer, but the person that Paul’s prayer took him to; the Lord Jesus Christ. It was not deliverance, but the Deliverer that Paul needed. For in Him is sufficient grace and strength for every need. 

While it is imperative that we pray for others, it is necessary that we also pray for ourselves. It would be foolish to believe that a person who did not have enough confidence to pray for himself would have enough to pray in behalf of others! Having received spiritual strength by the means of personal prayer, Paul is now in a spiritual state of confidence to pray for others. 

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