Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.

Romans 15:30

Recommended Reading

Luke 23:34a

In the sentencing phase of a trial, the judge will often allow individuals to address the court to influence the judge’s decision about the sentence. Some are there to ask for a harsh sentence. But others are there out of love. They understand the need for justice, but they also are there to ask for mercy and fairness.

Those are complicated situations, but unconditional love will always try to intercede. Think of Jesus on the cross. He was totally innocent, His killers totally guilty. Yet, out of love for His enemies, He interceded; He asked God to forgive them. But intercession is about more than forgiveness. It is about asking God to do what we can’t. Paul asked the Roman church to pray “through the love of the Spirit” for his protection when he traveled to Jerusalem. The church in Rome couldn’t protect Paul themselves, but out of love they prayed that God would protect the great apostle.

There are many ways to express love to others. Perhaps the most sacrificial is to pray for God to bless, protect, and provide for those we love.

The Bible is a letter God has sent to us; prayer is a letter we send to Him.

Matthew Henry

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Numbers 33–Deuteronomy 2

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