2. A PROGRAM FOR APOSTOLIC FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH TOPIC: STANDING IN THE GAP (INTERCESSION )

3. INTERCESSON-WHY THIS TOPIC
INTERCESSON-WHY THIS TOPIC? “Let what was seen in Christ be seen in you” Phil 2:5.
If I do not intercede God’s plan of redemption will not be accomplished. (Mt 28:19-20)
I want to please God. (Heb 13:16)
As a baptized person, it is part of my covenant with God. (Ex 19:6)

4. STANDING IN THE GAP God needs effective witnesses of His love
STANDING IN THE GAP God needs effective witnesses of His love. Jam 2:14-17
Maria, who was allergic to peanuts, was unable to attend school because she ate a candy bar containing peanuts and it made her very ill. Her teacher asked Maria’s classmates to pray for her. After lunch that day the teacher led the students in prayer for the recovery of Maria.
The next day Maria’s mother called to tearfully thank the children for praying because the prayer saved Maria’s life. At 1:00 PM Maria began to show signs of recovering – the exact time the children prayed.
Coincidence? Standing in the gap is the work of the Lamb. To follow Him is to do what he does – Mt 10:7-8.

5. WHAT IS STANDING IN THE GAP
WHAT IS STANDING IN THE GAP? “I am sending you like lambs among wolves” LK 10:3.
A PRAYER FOCUS
- “When you pray say this: …Thy kingdom come…” (Lk 11:1).
A FOCUS OF ACTION - Renewal of Christ’s body (Eph 4:22-24) - Working to bring about the Kingdom (Is 58:10, 12)

6. WHEN AM I NOT STANDING IN THE GAP?
“If I try to please people, I am not being a servant of Christ” Gal 1:10.
When I am indifferent to the needs of others. (Gal 6:2)
When I pray wrongly. (Jam 4:3)
When my relationship with God is not a priority in my life. (Gal 2:19-21)

7. WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES IN STANDING IN THE GAP?
“I looked for one who would grieve with me, but there was no one” Ps 69:21.
Immaturity in my spiritual life. (1 Cor 13:11)
Weak faith. (Rom 4:20)
Sin. (Rom 7:19)

8. HOW DOES JESUS, THE LAMB, STAND IN THE GAP
HOW DOES JESUS, THE LAMB, STAND IN THE GAP? “Not my will but yours” Lk 22:42.
He listens in prayer. (Jn 14:31)
He intercedes on our behalf. (Heb 7:25)
He bears our burdens. Seeks our freedom from anything that enslaves us: sin, hurts, addictions, oppression, injustice. (Col 3:12-15)

9. WHERE AM I IN THE WORK OF INTERCESSION?
Briefly review the obstacles to Standing in the Gap and when you are unloving in interceding. Then answer:
Where am I on a scale of 0-10 in my ability to stand in the gap? 0 – Never; 10 – It is part of my lifestyle.

10. HOW CAN I BECOME EFFECTIVE AT STANDING IN THE GAP
HOW CAN I BECOME EFFECTIVE AT STANDING IN THE GAP? “Take my yoke… for my yoke is easy, my burden light” Mt 11:30.
PRAY alone and with others. ASK God’s agenda when I pray. (CCC #2742, Eph 6:18)
DO PENANCE. Instead of participating in the sin around me. (CCC #1430; Is 1:16-17)
GIVE of myself, time, talent, treasure to help others. (CCC #2745; 1 Thes 5:17) Candidate (list other ways):

11. WHAT STEPS AM I WILLING TO TAKE TO STAND IN THE GAP?
Witness to my faith by healing rather than hurting one another. (Mt 10:1)
Nourish my faith life by reflecting on the Scriptures. (Col 3:16)
Pray and work for unity in the Body of Christ. (Jn 17:21; Ex 3:4)
Candidate (list more steps to take): 4) 5) 6)

12. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INTERCESSION?
“Those who were ready went with Him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut” Mt 25:10b.
Access to the Kingdom. (Mt 7:21)
God’s greatest gift in prayer is the Holy Spirit. (Lk 11:13)
An opportunity to change the world. When I am holy, those around me become holy. (Lev 11:44)
Candidate (list other benefits): 1) 2) 3)

13. IN YOUR OWN WORDS “May the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, reveal himself to you” Eph 1:17.
How do you understand, in your own words, this topic on Intercession (Standing in the gap)?

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