Intercessory Prayer
Scripture
Sermon Description
Man is so tempted to put faith in his own abilities that prayer has often come as an afterthought. Learn about the concept of "prayer-backing" and the perversion of merely thinking man needs God's support. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses this serious departure from what Scripture conveys as prayer. Look at the examples of Abraham, Isaiah, and Moses – all men of action, but moreso all men of great intercession. What is the greatest thing man can do at a time like this in history? Intercede before the throne of God! Are we to have greater zeal for denouncing sin or exalting the glory of God? Consider the example of Christ when He saw the state of the people – He was burdened for them. How ought we pray? Intercessory prayer is not mechanical, nor is it simple. Praying must always start with worshipping God, not presenting one's problem. Hear about Jeremiah's prayer as he reasoned and pleaded with God – even if those he was praying for were against him. Begin to see God’s larger plan of salvation. Pray and not faint; God is your only source of strength. Fall before Him and leave your petition at His throne.
Sermon Breakdown
- Jeremiah starts his prayer by worshipping and praising God. He acknowledges God's power and sovereignty.
- Jeremiah reminds God of His past faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt. He appeals to God's purpose and plan.
- Jeremiah confesses the sins of Israel and acknowledges they deserve punishment. But he pleads for mercy based on God's name and glory.
- Jeremiah acknowledges the hopeless situation but declares that nothing is too hard for God. He appeals to God's power and ability.
- Jeremiah asks God to act for the sake of His own name and glory, not because Israel deserves it. He appeals to God's honor and reputation.
- Jeremiah persists in pleading with God despite discouragement and opposition. He is determined to pray without ceasing.
Sermon Q&A
What Was the Main Focus of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Intercessory Prayer?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon focused on the critical importance of intercessory prayer, particularly as exemplified in the life of the prophet Jeremiah. He emphasized that this subject has been much neglected in modern Christianity, yet is vital for addressing the challenges facing the church and society.
What did Lloyd-Jones identify as the reason for the neglect of intercessory prayer?
According to Lloyd-Jones, intercessory prayer has been neglected because Christians have "tended to put our faith in our own activities." He explained that the church has prioritized organizing evangelistic campaigns and various methods to spread the Bible's message, but prayer has often been treated as "more or less an afterthought" or what he termed "prayer backing" - a mere supplement to human efforts rather than the foundation of spiritual work.
How did Lloyd-Jones define true intercessory prayer?
Lloyd-Jones described intercessory prayer as: - Prayer that moves beyond self-centeredness to concern for God's glory - Not mechanical or perfunctory but born from a burden for others - Beginning with worship and adoration rather than immediately stating problems - Including confession of sin and unworthiness - Reminding God of His purposes and promises - Pleading with God based on His character rather than human merit - Requiring persistence despite discouragement
What example from Jeremiah did Lloyd-Jones highlight?
Lloyd-Jones focused on Jeremiah 32:16-25 as a perfect example of intercessory prayer. In this passage, Jeremiah was commanded to buy a plot of land despite the imminent destruction of Jerusalem. Rather than immediately questioning God about this seemingly illogical command, Jeremiah began his prayer by: 1. Worshipping God and acknowledging His power 2. Recounting God's mighty acts in history 3. Confessing the sins of the people 4. Recognizing God's just judgment 5. Only then presenting his specific question about buying the field
What historical examples of revival through prayer did Lloyd-Jones mention?
Lloyd-Jones cited several historical examples of revival that began with intercessory prayer: - The "Holy Club" started by John and Charles Wesley at Oxford - The 1857 revival in America that began with one man named Vampir - The 1858 revival in Northern Ireland started by two farm laborers - The 1904-05 Welsh revival preceded by Evan Roberts praying for six months - The revival in the island of Lewis after WWII attributed to the prayers of two women - D.L. Moody's ministry and the ladies who prayed for him
Why did Lloyd-Jones believe intercessory prayer is especially needed today?
Lloyd-Jones argued that intercessory prayer is particularly needed because: 1. We are living in an age of religious decline and moral collapse 2. The church has tried many activities and organizations without much success 3. Throughout history, great spiritual awakenings were preceded by prayer 4. Only God's power can address the fundamental problems facing society 5. Prayer acknowledges our dependence on God rather than human effort
How does intercessory prayer test our spirituality according to Lloyd-Jones?
Lloyd-Jones stated that "intercessory prayer, and the part that it plays in our own personal lives is the most thorough test of our spirituality." He explained that most of our prayers tend to be self-centered and focused on our own needs. True intercessory prayer requires moving beyond self-centeredness to a genuine concern for God's glory and the welfare of others, which shows spiritual maturity.
Itinerant Preaching
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.