Standing in the Gap
(NIV)Neh 4: 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
It has been years since I heard anyone use the phrase “standing in the gap,” which is another way of describing intercessory prayer. When we approach God on behalf of someone else, we are interceding for that precious soul. Just as Nehemiah stationed people armed with spears to stand in the gaps in the wall surrounding Jerusalem so that the rebuilding of that structure could continue, we are commissioned to keep the enemy at bay with our prayers so thst our brothers and sisters in Christ can be victorious.
What tools do we need to intervene for someone else? We arm ourselves not with spears but with the preparation of the gospel of peace as found in Eph 6. We put on the helmet of salvation which protects our minds from thoughts that would bring us down. We put on the breastplate of righteousness which protects our heart. We have no righteousness in and of ourselves, but through Jesus Christ we are made whole.
We put the belt of truth around our waist, we pick up the shield of faith and the sword we use is the very word of God. And, this last piece of equipment is vital—we put on the shoes of peace so that wherever we walk we leave footprints of tranquility.
It is then, and only then, that we are ready to stand in the gap.
I leave you with one final thought. When you pledge to pray for someone, you have made a sacred vow. Don’t allow distractions to keep you from fulfilling your commitment. Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage. And know, believe and understand that your prayers make a difference.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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