It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day three in the seventh week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Intercessory Friendships

“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.“
Job 16:20-21 (NIV)

Have you ever needed someone to speak on your behalf?  If you needed someone, who would you ask?  Who would volunteer?  Are there people you pray for on a regular basis?  Do they know?  Are there people praying for you?  How do you know?  How likely are you to stand up for those you work with if they are accused of doing something wrong?  Would they stand up for you?  How would thinking of yourself as an advocate for those you serve change the way you serve?

Satan seems to have two primary weapons through which a lot of bad things happen — deceit and accusation.  Often times he uses them together in ways that become fatal to our friendships and to our spiritual walk with God.  The Bible teaches that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus currently intercede before the Father on our behalf.  It also makes it clear that we are called to intercede through prayer for the people who are in our life.  As we serve through friendships, one of the greatest things we can do is to pray for, and with, those we serve.

As you pray, ask God to show you how to pray for the needs of your friends.  Pray regularly for those you serve with.

In prayer,

Tom