Speaking of Jesus, we read in Hebrews, “Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
The Apostle Paul in writing to the Christians in Rome said, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, and who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (Romans 8:32-34)
These two scriptures emphasize to us, that Christ lives to intercede for those who love him. It stands to reason then, that those of us who follow Jesus should also have a life of intercession for the world around us.
There is a prayer tower on a mountain overlooking a cemetery and the Moravian village of Herrnhut, which is located on the southeastern border of Germany, across from Poland, and the Czech Republic. Gravestones in the cemetery mark the resting place of saints of God who began a revival in the 18th century that has remnants lasting today.
On May 12, 1727, Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf addressed the community for three hours on the blessedness of Christian unity. The people sorrowfully confessed their past quarreling and promised to live in love and simplicity. Herrnhut became a living congregation of Christ. The entire summer of 1727 was a golden one at Herrnhut as the community worked together in peace and love. There was eager anticipation that more was to come.
As the Christians of Herrnhut learned to live, work, and pray together, something marvelous occurred. After a wonderful Summer of togetherness, in August a group of twenty-four men and twenty-four women committed to pray at least an hour a day in intercession for the world. As word of their commitment spread, many others joined in this prayer ministry.
For over 100 years, members of the Moravian church continued nonstop in this “Hourly Intercession.” All Moravian adventures were begun, surrounded, and consummated in prayer. They became known as “God’s Happy People.” They launched a missionary society in a time when Protestant missions were unknown. The first missionaries, two young men, declared their willingness to become slaves if necessary to reach the slaves in the West Indies with the Gospel. Within fifteen years of the revival, the Moravians at Herrnhut had established missions in the Virgin Islands, Greenland, Turkey, the Gold Coast of Africa, South Africa, and North America. They endured unspeakable hardships. Many died in difficult circumstances. But as fast as they died, others came forth to take their places. (The Lost Art of Intercession by James W. Goll)
It has become my ambition to be such an intercessor. I want to follow the example of my Lord and savior to live to intercede for the world. I would invite you to consider joining me in intercessory prayer like Count Zinzindorf and the Moravians.