Will You Stand In The Gap?

Stand in the Gap? Why? What Gap? Why me?

Before I continue, I want to let you know that today’s post is not a mere intellectual exercise. I personally stand in the gap for many people, situations and groups, even countries like the USA on a regular basis. That, however, is not what is motivating me today.

I learned this week that Elizabeth Price, a wonderful saint of a woman who has personally prayed for me for years, and for countless spiritual leaders far more notable than I, especially across New England, passed away unexpectedly. As I left a meeting of intercessors who knew her well I heard the title of today’s post. Will you stand in the gap?

Now to the point:

By definition one who prays or ‘intercedes’ is in the gap between the need and the provider. It comes from a verse in Ezekiel. In chapter 22, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying what he has heard from our Creator. Long story short, God is seriously not happy with the leaders who are behaving very badly. God continues [italics mine]:

30“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. 

God wants a righteous person to stand in the gap between Him and the very messed up leaders. A righteous person is not a perfect person, but one who knows they are not God and who is. They also know our Creator, through Jesus, who made a way for us to communicate clearly with our God. (1 Timothy 2:5)

God never wants to destroy anyone or anything. Unfortunately, things are so bad in this case, if someone does not intervene by standing in the gap between people and God, the worst case scenario my have to be enacted.

In my opinion, we (me included) often wait too long to stand up and take our responsibility to literally interceded. All followers of Jesus have an obligation to stand in the gap and pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10) Jesus’ disciple James tells us, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (5:16b) Our prayers go between the need and our Creator who is the provider and really do make a difference.

Elizabeth made a tremendous difference in our world by praying effectively for innumerable people and situations over 8 decades. I had the privilege of praying with her and learning from her. She is in glory now and enjoying every minute of it. Elizabeth is one of a kind. She is already greatly missed by all who knew her. There is no better time than now to step up and step into the gap for those around us. There is a vacancy and we all have a standing invitation.

Will you stand in the gap?