In :9-12 of Exodus 28 God commanded: “You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel … You shall put the two stones of the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial.” Thus Aaron the priest was to take the names of each of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders when he went into the presence of the Lord.

This is much more than an antiquated Hebrew religious practice. It is a picture of what each of us, as priests of God through Jesus Christ, are to practice ourselves. Just as Aaron bore the names of the sons of Israel on his shoulders when he went into the presence of the Lord, so we are to bear the names of our brothers and sisters – and all those God lays on our heart – before Him when we pray. It is a picture of intercessory prayer. Perhaps it will help you to envision yourself like Aaron: “bearing the names” on your shoulders of those God has entrusted to you, before His very presence when you pray.