Intercession

By Brook Momblow

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30 

   

Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. All God’s people are called to intercession, even if they don’t have a specific gift for prayer.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.“ 1 Timothy 2:1-4

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

P – Praise Him for His love and goodness. Thank Him for something specific in your life.

“The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?” Psalm 89:5-8

R – Repent for wrong choices and attitudes. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden sin. Receive forgiveness.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” Acts 3:19-20

A – Ask for what you and others need.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15

Y – Yield to God. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice. Obey what you read in the Bible.

“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” Psalm 119:59-60

What is Intercession?

Have you ever felt an unexplained burden on your heart to pray for __________? An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another’s case. One study bible defines intercession as “holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God’s intervention.” Jesus is our model. He took our place. He constantly intercedes for us. Intercession involves taking hold of God’s will and refusing to let go.

As an Intercessor ~

Intercession is not putting yourself in another person’s perspective, it is putting yourself in God’s perspective; it is having His mind. Be careful not to seek too much information from God regarding the situation you are praying about. Instead pray the thoughts God gives you, trusting his Spirit knows the mind and will of God for the situation – not what we think needs to be prayed because of what we know about it. If you know too much, more than God has ordained for you to know, it becomes difficult to pray according to the Spirit; the circumstances of the people become so overpowering that you are no longer able to get to the underlying truth. Avoid praying for someone to simply be “patched up”. Pray that person completely through into contact with the very life of God. Remember, this is spiritual warfare.

- Intercession causes us to internalize God’s Word and changes us.

- Intercession unites our heart to people and places we pray for.

- Intercession renews our hope and faith.

- Intercession imparts life.

- Intercession makes a long-term impact beyond this age.

- Intercession humbles us.

- Intercession changes the spiritual atmosphere of cities and nations.

“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” Robert Murray M’Cheyne

“Prayer is possibility. I do not want God to answer my prayers; I want my prayers to answer to God’s will.” E. Stanley Jones

More Scripture

He encourages us to Ask.  Matthew 7:7-8

Trusting God with our needs brings us Peace.  Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer and Thanksgiving are God’s will for us.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God helps us when we’re not sure how to pray.  Romans 8:26-27

Prayer is Powerful. Jesus doesn’t throw out things like ‘ask’ without meaning it. He does make faith and God’s will key in receiving answers.  Matt. 18:18-20, 21:22, John 15:7, 16:24, James 4:3, 5:16

Jesus intercedes on our behalf.  Romans 8:34