(Originally written for Christian Faith Photographers on Facebook)

God has really opened my eyes this week to the power of prayer and how much we need each other as Christians and intercessors. I’ve heard from several friends and acquaintances this week who are experiencing pain or trouble and requested prayers. I used to find it difficult to ask another to pray for me but I know that’s what we as Christians should be doing.

I opened one of the four devotionals I like to draw on and today’s was all about intercession. This message couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I actually talk to God a lot. I pray at stop lights in my car, walking my dogs, before going to bed, before doing a photo shoot, before dinner, etc. But I guess I never really grasped the power or meaning of intercession (prayer) for another. As much as I’ve done it, I didn’t realize the difference of just praying and interceding.

An intercessor is someone who is especially called and equipped by God through the Holy Spirit to spend time in earnest prayer for others. You become an intercessor simply by receiving such burdens from God to pray for others.

Here’s what Henry Blackaby of Experiencing God Day by Day says about it:

“God looks for those whose hearts are prepared to be intercessors before Him. Intercessors have hearts in tune with God’s heart. They are so acutely aware of what is at stake, for their land, that they will stay before God as long as necessary in order to obtain God’s answer. That is why you do not volunteer to be an intercessor. God enlists you.

Why do we not intercede as we should? Perhaps we are afraid to put God to the test. We worry that God might not answer our prayers. Yet God promises that if we ask we will receive (Matt.7:7) We may fail to intercede because we believe the busyness of our everyday lives is more effective than prayer. Jesus warned that apart from Him , we can do nothing (John 15:5) Without being intimately acquainted with God and His will, all of our labors are futile. Perhaps we fail to intercede because we misunderstand the heart of God. Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem as He interceded for it (Matt. 23:37). If we truly have God’s love within us, we will feel compelled to plead with God on behalf of those who face His imminent judgment.

Intercession is a lonely business. There may be many days or even years when there appear to be few results for your labor. Yet intercessors can be the only ones standing between a family and God’s judgment, or between an individual or nation and God’s wrath.”

Ezekiel 22:30

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

Have a blessed day!

Heather

Here is the devotional I wrote for Christian Faith Photographers (on Facebook) today.  And a sneak peek of a shoot I did of my precious niece.  Enjoy!

The past week I’ve been really aware of the friendships God has placed in my life. I have a “process” I try to start with in writing my devotionals but sometimes they’re not quite ready and I just have to sit still and listen to Him. I’ve had a crazy week but one theme popped up over and over—friendship.

What does friendship mean to me? How does it affect my relationship with God? Why is it so important?

Over the past few days I’ve written about a good friend on my blog, I’ve been heartbroken for a friend who experienced a tragic loss, I’ve spoken with a friend I see twice or three times a year but we’ve been friends for 16 years and know that we could call each other tomorrow and it would be like we just saw each other yesterday. I also overheard my older sister tell her shy, pre-teen daughter (who only wants to hang out with one girl) that friendships are so important and you have to “be a friend to make friends”.

I’ve also been blessed through photography and the digital world that brings us together, to meet some amazing people who I’m so proud to now call my friend. Isn’t God great like that?

I’d like to share a passage from Charles Stanley’s “Seeking His Face”:

“True friendship includes many things: love, a sense of closeness, forgiveness, openness and availability. A true friend knows how to listen and, if necessary, be silent about his own needs at times. Only God can use a friend to help heal a hurting heart. Friendship also includes acceptance, flexibility, commitment and a sense of unselfishness.

Loving someone can be difficult. We are not easy to love at times. We have flaws that need God’s attention, forgiveness and care. But we also contain something worth sharing with another.

Because of the love of Christ that has been given to us, we are worthy to be loved and to love. It is God’s love that motivates us to care for someone else. It is God’s example of pure love that prompts us to forgive when we have been unjustly hurt or accused.

God loves us even when we act unlovely.

God wants us to have this type of love for others. Next time you might be tempted to stay angry at a friend, ask the Lord to help you understand the way He loves you. God sent His Son so that we may be forgiven. “

He is our dearest Friend. Are you seeing others through His eyes or your own?

Scripture Reading: John 15:9

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

I shot this gorgeous Savannah, Georgia wedding back in December with the fabulous Scarlett Lillian.  It was the most pink, sparkly, and spectacular event I’d ever seen.  You can view all of it on her blog. For privacy reasons I’m not going to show faces (at least not much of them) in this post.  Or mention names.    Enjoy some details from the day: