Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
Week 7: Chapter 6 — Intercession
Read Chapter 6 of Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools. Primary passages: Romans 8:26–27, 34; John 17:6–26.
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Intercession — praying on behalf of others — is one of the most selfless and most mysterious acts of prayer, and Staton argues it is also one of the most powerful things one human being can do for another. These questions help you think about who you are praying for, and why it matters.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Who are the people currently on your regular prayer list — if you have one? When you think about praying for others, what emotions come up? Obligation? Love? Uncertainty about whether it actually makes a difference?
2.Staton points to John 17 — Jesus's high priestly prayer — as the model for intercession. Jesus does not simply ask for things on behalf of his disciples; he holds them before the Father with intimate knowledge and love. What does it mean that Jesus is still interceding for you right now (Romans 8:34)? How does that change your posture in prayer?
3.He addresses the underlying theological question many people quietly carry: if God is sovereign and already knows what people need, why does our intercession matter? How does Staton answer that question? Does his answer satisfy you, or does the mystery remain?
a.What is the danger of a view of intercession that makes it purely informational — updating God on situations he doesn't know about?
b.What is the danger of a view that says intercession doesn't really matter because God will do what he's going to do anyway?
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