Holiness Versus Hardness
“Intercession isn’t passive—it’s the holy work of joining God in His love.”
1 Timothy 2:1 — “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
Oswald Chambers reminds us today that true prayer isn’t sentimental, casual, or merely therapeutic—it’s intercession. It’s not about feeling better or sounding spiritual. It’s about entering into the very thoughts of God for others, worshiping Him, and aligning our desires with His heart.
Chambers draws a clear distinction between holiness and hardness. When we lose sight of worship—when our prayers become arguments, complaints, or demands—we become hardened not just toward God, but toward people. This hardness comes from viewing prayer as a personal benefit rather than a sacred relationship. When our communication with God becomes transactional, our intimacy dries up. And with that, so does compassion.
But intercession—real intercession—is rooted in worship. It's when we cease dictating and begin listening. It’s when we care more about God’s will than our outcome. Chambers says that if no one is willing to intercede, then you be the one. Worship. Enter into God’s presence and let His thoughts fill your heart for the sake of others. Let your holy union with Christ lead you to lift others in prayer—not as a chore, but as an overflow of divine love.
And yes, it’s work. But it is sustaining work—the kind that draws life from the very righteousness of God, who intercedes still.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I dwell within you not as a distant observer, but as One who intercedes with groanings too deep for words. You are not praying alone—I am in you, praying through you, revealing the mind of the Father as you yield.
Prayer is not your invention. It is My invitation to step into divine fellowship, where you draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. In this place, your thoughts begin to echo Mine. You no longer strive to convince Me; instead, you delight in knowing Me.
This is worship—to fix your eyes on things above, where Christ is seated. It is not sentiment, but surrender. Not formality, but intimacy. I have made you holy, set apart for this very purpose—not to argue from earth, but to agree with heaven.
When you pray for others, you are not pleading for scraps—you are releasing My abundance over them. You are not guessing at what might be best—you are seeking the One who sees all. And I give you My heart.
Let your prayers rise like incense. Let your petitions and intercessions be soaked in thanksgiving. Do not harden your heart when the answer is slow in coming or different than expected. I have not forgotten you, nor those you lift before Me.
Remain in Me, and My words will remain in you. Ask, and it will be done—not because of your fervor, but because your asking is born of fellowship.
The work of intercession is holy work. And I sustain you in it, just as the Son was sustained by My righteousness when no one else would stand in the gap.
(Romans 8:26–27, Hebrews 10:22, Colossians 3:1–2, Exodus 30:8, 1 Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 3:15, John 15:7, Isaiah 59:16)
Prayer
Father, I thank You that You have made me a participant in Your own intercession. I don’t have to invent prayer—I simply join what You are already doing in me and through me. I trust that I have Your heart, Your thoughts, and Your access in Christ.
Keep my soul soft. Keep my gaze upward. I yield to You in worship, not to get something done, but to know the One who holds it all. And as You bring others to mind, I release them into the beauty of Your will, knowing You’re already at work.
Amen.
Devotional Credit: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
Suggested Unsplash Image:
An overhead shot of a well-worn pair of work gloves laid across an open Bible, lit by natural light.
Caption: