James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

In the text, the Lord emphasizes the potential that lies within interceding for others. Having been made aware of the needs of another by means of confession; the righteous man effectively intercedes in another’s behalf; the results are an abundant and prevailing power that brings about the necessary cure.

Abraham interceded for his Family, “Abraham stood yet before the LORD. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked” (Genesis 18:22-23). Having been made aware of the impending doom of Sodom, Abraham intercedes in behalf of his nephew and his family; which consisted of at least ten individuals. When the judgment fires fell upon Sodom; Lot and his two daughters were spared. The entire family could have escaped to safety had they chosen to! Those that escaped can trace their secure state back to the interceding of Abraham; “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt” (Genesis 19:29).

Job interceded for his Friends, “my servant Job shall pray for you” (Job 42:8). Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, find themselves abiding under divine wrath after their hostile attack of God’s servant, Job; “lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job” (Job 42:8). There is only one thing that can avert judgement; the willingness of Job to intercede for his friends; “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends” (Job 42:10).

Steven interceded for his Foes, “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). Having been convicted by the Spirit and the Scriptures at the preaching of Steven; they “stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him” (Acts 7:57-58). There in the crowd as a voice of hostility; “And Saul was consenting unto his death” (Acts 8:1). The interceding of Steven would be used to influence the heart of a rebel; the sinner would not only become a saint, but a servant; the Apostle Paul. Later, standing on the threshold of eternity; Paul would intercede for others; “all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge” (II Timothy 4:16).

Because of the compassionate, loving, and gracious nature of our God, He takes no pleasure in sending forth wrath and executing judgement; “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Therefore “I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me . . . but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). May we see the need; stand in the gap and be found interceding for others!