Imaginational Intercession

I have found praying frustrating. I have read books about prayer. And I have always prayed—haphazardly and inconsistently. On early morning walks I held my children and grandchildren before the Lord. But the sheer volume of need in the world overwhelmed me. My file drawer was crammed with prayer lists, prayer reminders, missionary letters and names of the sick and struggling. I complained guiltily to God, “There is so much to pray for.” I asked, “How shall I bring to you the needs of the whole world?”
My prayer time was often so boring that it was difficult to remain centered for more than 15 minutes. My mind flew constantly to more active pursuits. The most spiritual attitude I could muster was, “Time to pray. I have to do it.” I persisted perfunctorily with no sense of power.
I knew that if God required this of me, He would surely provide instruction. “Lord, teach me to pray,” I pleaded. “I desire to commune with you.”
“…Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way,” His word seemed to respond. (I Corinthians 14:40) My praying definitely lacked order.
Beginning with a baby step of obedience, I organized prayer topics in a three-ring binder, asking God to show me what requests He desired me to include. I punched holes in prayer letters, the church directory, e-mailed prayer requests and photos. I was ready for the next step—“powerful and effective” prayer. (James 5:16)
Oswald Chambers addressed ineffective prayer in his February 10 reading in My Utmost for His Highest:
One of the reasons of stultification in prayer is that there is no imagination, no power of putting ourselves deliberately before God… Imagination is the power God gives a saint to position himself out of himself into relationships he never was in.
 Stultification is uselessness or futility. I spread my prayer notebook before the Lord and confessed, “Lord, my prayers are stultified.” 
Chambers’ assertion that God has given us imagination for the purpose of bringing us into His presence was the secret for me! I asked the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and images that would place me before the throne of God. He has answered my heart’s plea.
Imagination transports me to heaven where I meet my Savior. I praise and thank Him for the blood that has redeemed me. I confess my sin and unworthiness. I ask Him to wash from my feet the dirt of walking in the world. In my imagination I see Him take my hand. In the righteous authority of His sonship, He presents me to His Father; I am prostrate before Him. God bids me rise and ask what I will.
I turn the notebook pages and bear before Him those He has entrusted to my intercession. I imagine that I am accompanying each person. My heart is burdened for some who do not know the Savior. I envision bringing these to the cross. I ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to receive His sacrifice for them. I speak to God from His own word. He is “…not wanting anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)
I bring individuals, families or groups into the holy throne room. The presence of God enlightens my petitions as I ask His provision for each need.
By faith I observe a sick one well, a sad one joyful, a burdened one leaving the burden at God’s feet. I hold onto one too weak to stand and sense she will not recover; I see Jesus take her into His arms in heaven.
Humor enlivens these visits, along with tears. I bring a rambunctious group of children to Him and ask for discipline in that family as they tumble about.
I spread a map at his feet, chuckling as I acknowledge that the Creator knows every grain of sand and drop of water. I point to the countries of the world and beg Him to send laborers and to keep them open to the Good News. I present tiny Israel to Him and plead for peace for His beloved land.
I walk respectfully behind our President as I accompany him to the throne. I envision him humble before the majesty of the Lord. I join him in requesting divine wisdom, courage and strength.
Time stands still in the holy Presence. I thank the Lord for allowing me to come, for listening to me and for granting those petitions that are according to His will. As I turn to leave, Jesus assures me that He is coming with me. He will never leave, and by His sacrificial death He has provided eternal access to His Father.
Imagination brings joy, excitement and accomplishment in prayer. How I look forward to those blessed times. There is no boredom, no wish to hurry, no frustration, only pleasure and power in the presence of God.