Amidst the grandeur of the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games, when the athletes march into the stadium, they recite the following, “I have prepared. I have followed the rules. I will not quit.” When you can say that with integrity, you can face the future with confidence, no matter what happens afterward.

“I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.” 1 Cor. 9:26

Recently, a dear friend went to be with the Lord after a valiant battle against cancer. She was a medical practitioner with her husband and both children also in medicine. Dr. Kamala came to faith in Christ as an adult and God prepared her as she became very receptive to God’s Holy Spirit and obedient to His word. In the midst of her trying ordeal, it became obvious to all who loved her, that she was not a quitter.

You may ask, “During such long months of difficult experience, what are prayer partners and intercessors supposed to do?”

We must not turn intercession into mere sympathy with our fellow human beings, but instead further channel their contact with God. In prayer and intercession, you bring the person or the circumstance that impinges on you before God, until you are moved by God’s attitude towards that person or circumstance. Intercession means filling up “that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.” Perhaps this explains why there are so few interested in intercession.

First, let us briefly consider what intercession requires. Never put yourself in his / her place and view reality from their perspective. Try to see the situation from God’s perspective. If we do not maintain our reality check with God, we will surely be crushed. Also, when you have too much information about a painful situation, you may not be able to pray as you ought. Always try to maintain clear lines of communication regarding your concern with the reality you receive from God.

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1

Frequently we find, establishing a definite contact with God is somehow replaced by constant activity. At times, it may be easier to accomplish items that can be tabulated than to simply pray.

• While interceding, you will discover there are no snares to hamper your relationship with God.
• While interceding, maintain a completely open channel of communication with God. While interceding, do not limit God’s touch on that special person or circumstance only, but also, in the many lives surrounding that person or circumstance.
• While interceding, hold fast to the reality of Redemption, allowing God to do His creative work.

Today as intercessors, may we be prepared to keep the rules and not quit as we keep a steady stride, running our race with purpose to the glorious finish line.