Baking cookies today and as I crack my eggs, I see those white stringy strands, called chalaze. These egg white membranes serve an important purpose – they anchor the yolk the shell so that it stays centered in the egg. It also helps us bakers as a prominent chalaze means that the egg is not only fresh, but not scrambled before we use it.
One thing that helps us keep our hearts centered on God is our fellowship with other believers – in church, Bible study, and interceding for each other as we have joys and sorrows.
Of late, God has impressed upon me the necessity of intercessory prayer. We have numerous friends and family that are struggling – their lives have been a little scrambled and they need that Romans 5 assurance that
…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
What a blessing it is to pray for our friends that are burdened. And, how amazing is it that the Holy Spirit nudges us to pray fervently for them. One thing that helps me continuously pray is finding a Bible verses that aligns with their concerns.
One chapter I love to pray is psalm 91. It’s just packed full of verses that praise our God and shows us just how much he loves us –
- He is my refuge and my fortress. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence. - He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge
- For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways
- With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Another verse to remember –
…pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
Prayer is power.
The Greek root for intercessory means to “meet with, come between.” The chalaze goes between the shell and the yolk to keep it centered – just as praying with (and fervently for) our friends and family keeps us all centered as we ask for help from Jehovah-Ezer, my helper and Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. No matter the outcome, he is our helper and provider – our all in all.
Thank you, O Lord for being our refuge and our strength. We do not ever need to fear, even when it seems that our mountains fall and the waters surge. You are our helper and our provider. Love me, rescue me, protect me, and deliver me, for you are my all in all. Amen.
