“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3,4
A Christian's main interest should be to love God and to know Him now in such a way as to reach heaven at the end of life. Also, a believer should be interested not only in his own salvation, but care that those he loves be saved. A believer's personal salvation can be the means of the family's salvation.
Intercession can change how our family lives in this world now and where they live in eternity. Every family has squabbles. Past conflicts separate people; family members lose interest in each other. The best answer to such problems is intercessory prayer. It's an effective way to keep in touch with our family's spiritual needs.
Sometimes our intercession is infected by old hurts and grievances. Honest prayer for our family members, means we stand where they stand, care about their cares, view their needs without the venom of retaliation. It requires the virtue of humility deep in the spirit of each of us.
Jesus is the most whole hearted example of humility in intercession. He laid aside His glory to seek us out, when we cared only for ourselves. He died for us, while we lived self-centered in our own interests. Now, in glory, after caring about our interests to the point of total self-sacrifice, He is able to intercede for us at the throne of God!
Intercession: Intercession is not a cross we bear, but a throne-right we claim with joy. Lift hands of prayer and unite with the nail pierced hands of Jesus to touch your family today.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, my great High Priest, please help me to think more often about the spiritual needs of my loved ones. Forgive when I am absorbed in my own interests. May my heart promptly obey the alerts you send my mind to pray for members of the family. In Your Name, Amen.