Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker calls intercessory prayer “love at prayer” (from *Kneeling Christian*); what does that definition reveal about God’s view of love—especially compared to treating prayer mainly as a way to get outcomes or solve problems?
Another way to ask: Intercessory prayer is called “love at prayer.” What does that say about how God sees love, compared to praying mainly to get results or fix problems?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, calling intercession “love at prayer” shows that prayer is meant to be an act of love toward God and people, not mainly a tool to manage problems or get outcomes. It suggests God values the heart of loving concern—especially for “our fellow creatures”—not just successful results.
- He defines intercessory prayer as “praying to God and interceding with Him for our fellow creatures” (William Law), making other people the focus.
- *Kneeling Christian* is quoted: “The spirit of prayer is essentially the spirit of love. Intercession is simply love at prayer.”
- The quote, “He prayeth best who loveth best,” ties prayer’s “quality” to love rather than technique.
- The message title connects intercession to love for “God… our neighbor… our community,” framing prayer as relational and moral.
- Later he argues you can’t genuinely intercede while hating someone, implying that love is not optional or secondary in prayer.