Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him…When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:15–16, 19)
Satan continually tries to sell us on the idea that we don’t have the time to pray. We have other more important things to do.
The Bible, however, says something very different. It says that we as believers, both individually and corporately, are called first of all—first of all!—to pray. That means as soon as our feet hit the floor in the morning, first of all, we pray. It means that prayer should be our number-one priority.
According to the Bible, if we put prayer first, we can live quiet lives in peace, honesty, and reverence—even in the midst of turbulent times. But if we don’t put prayer first, the consequences will be very serious.
How serious?
Ezekiel 22:30-31 tells us. There the Lord speaks of a time when He could find no one to pray and intercede for the nation of Israel. He says:
…I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads….
Compare that passage to the one in Isaiah 59 that talks about Jesus coming as an intercessor and you’ll see how different things are when someone will stand in the gap and pray for God’s will to be done. At those times, even though the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up a standard against him and puts him to flight.
No wonder Satan fights prayer so hard! It puts him on the run and thwarts his plans. Prayer enforces his defeat.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 59:1–27
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This post is an excerpt from Devotions for the Praying Heart: Prayer Notes. To purchase your own copy of the book, visit our store.
Thank you Beautiful Miss Lynne!! This is so Good and Helpful!! By His Grace/Anointing and Mercy may I be found in the ranks of faithful pray-ers!!
I so love your heart of truth and love of and In the Word of God. Thank you for sharing, it always blesses me.
Much love always!
Paula Netherton
Thanks for yor ministry. I am blessed today
Amen Sister Lynne we are in a battle. This was so encouraging. Been thinking about 2 Cor. 7;15 If my people which are called by name humble themselves and pray then will they heal from heaven and I will come and heal their land. Thank you for all you do. You are truly one of God’s genetals of prayer. You are a role model to the body if Christ. You are loved.