Short Course on Intercession

Biblical Text: Genesis 26 - 36
Main Character: 'the supplanter'.

His story goes something like this:
Jacob, when young, took advantage of his brother.
He crafted 'such a deal!' not to look like a steal, but instead of giving to others he chose to grab at a chance to make some wealth for himself.
The hidden cost was priceless; something money can't buy.
Something God calls precious; plus what is true and wise?
The way of brotherly love.

Don't you see the 'poor'[-idge] intentions had he?

1. Desiring wealth over love.

Don't you see what is hidden?

1. He gained earthly goods but lost brotherly love.
2. He got rich but it cost him everything; becoming emotionally broke.
3. He found wealth but lost relationship.

So What Now? I need my God to intervene.

Begin with Confession

Forgive me Lord for deceiving others. Forgive me Lord for lies. Forgive me Lord for seeking my own advantage. Forgive me Lord for greed. Forgive me Lord for hating my brother. Forgive me Lord for fearing for my own life!

2 Chronicles 7: 14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Follow a Truly Reformed Model of Pleading Prayer
Pray God's spoken word to you; speak aloud his guidance and clear direction. Humble yourself before him and tell of all his mighty deeds. Seek the Lord and make plain your requests. Remind God (and yourself) of his good promises.

• He is faithful to bring it to completion.
• He is not a liar.
• Every word of God proves true.

Genesis 32: 9 - 12

And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me,'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good,' I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. Yet you have said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.'"