Scriptural Intercession

The following is from Dick Eastman's book The Hour That Changes the World:

"We know it is a good thing to pray for others, especially the millions living in unevangelized nations.  But how can we be assured that our praying is truly scriptural?

". . . First, claim workers for the harvest. . . . I include the claim for workers first because Jesus included it first.  Of all Christ taught in the Gospels, only once do we find Him sharing the ultimate solution to all problems of world evangelism.

"Having painted the picture of a vast harvest, Jesus shares His only plan for reaping the harvest:  'Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest' (Matt. 9:38; NASB).

"Nothing is more important in the worldwide work of God than those workers who shoulder the responsibilities of the harvest.  God's plan centers in people.  People who know Jesus must share this knowledge with people who do not know Jesus.

"It is true that only God can give the 'increase' (1 Cor. 3:6), but it is equally true that God will allow no increase without man's involvement.

". . . Second, claim open doors.  It is also scriptural to claim open doors for those workers who serve in the Lord's harvest.  Indeed, the workers we claimed a moment ago will accomplish very little in a nation where laws totally prohibit evangelistic activity.  Almost half of the earth's population live under just such restrictions.  This is why Paul told the Colossians, 'Devote yourselves to prayer . . . that God may open up . . . a door for his word' (Col. 4:2, 3; NASB).

"To 'devote' suggests we give ourselves earnestly to intercession for the ministry.  We [can] pray earnestly for specific leaders of nations who hold in their political hands the power to permit evangelistic outreach and church worship.

"Paul told Timothy, 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority' (1 Tim. 2:1, 2).

"Paul knew that evangelizing every nation is possible only if these leaders permit the peaceful spread of the gospel.  Thus, he instructed us to pray for all those in authority.

"Third, claim 'fruit' that will remain.  Paul greatly desired that his efforts would not be in vain.  'I desire fruit,' he declared (Phil. 4:17).  Of the Thessalonians Paul also requested, 'Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified' (II Thess. 3:1; italics added).

"Paul longed that nothing would hinder the swift accomplishment of those goals God had given him.  But more than that, he desired that every spiritual seed planted would take deep root.

"Take time during prayer to lift those of Christ's body involved in caring for new converts.  In many cultures a convert is rejected by both family and society.  Without help the young believer finds it almost impossible to survive spiritually.  Our prayers of intercession can actually make the difference."