God intercedes

Once we claim the title of "Christian," we also claim the identity of "intercessor."  Quite simply, Christians are called to pray, but in a precise way defined by the verb "intercede."  The word literally means to "go between" two parties who are separated from or at odds with each other, to act as an intermediary between them to facilitate contact, communication, and reconciliation.  And so, as intercessors, we come between individuals or groups of people and Almighty God, seeking to facilitate others' encountering, communicating, and being reconciled to Him.  It's a powerful and privileged ministry in which we all participate.

However, this ministry doesn't originate with us.  In fact, in a sense, it's not even about us.  The Real Intercessor is God Himself.  From the time of our Fall from Grace in the Garden, God has put Himself between us and Himself, stepping in so that we can engage and be reconciled with Him.  He interceded when we left the garden, clothed only in pathetic fig leaves, by sacrificing an animal so we might be protectively clothed.  And, of course, His great Intercession was when He sacrificed His own Skin on the Cross so that we might be reconciled to Him, clothed in His own Righteousness.  

But there's more: He now intercedes for us in prayer.  In Romans 8, we are told that Christ Jesus is at the Right Hand of God the Father, interceding for us before Him (vs. 34).  In fact, Hebrews 7:25 tells us that He lives to make intercession for us.  And The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the Will of God (Romans 8:27).  The Triune God prays for us.

And He makes it possible for us to intercede.  Since we don't know how to pray as we ought, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26).  So as we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, we can get tuned into the perpetual Intercession of Jesus at the Father's Right Hand, connecting with the one Prayer that really matters: God's.

So, as you intercede, going between God and others, even interceding on your own behalf, be listening for the God Who is interceding for you, with you, and through you.