In the face of all adversity, sin, illness, satanic activity, or whatever, God's Word to His people is to intercede (Isaiah 59:16).
To intercede in prayer with the authority of Jesus is one of the greatest needs, obligations, and, yes, joys we have as Christians.
What Scripture Says
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.... Who is He who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:26-27,34)."Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1).
Jesus is our lead Intercessor: "Therefore He [Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
"He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him" (Isaiah 59:16).
"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6,7).
How To Intercede
The two aspects of intercession are: 1) to intercede with God; and 2) to stand against Satan, demons, sickness, ungodly circumstances, etc., on behalf of others. The prophet Ezekiel points out that an intercessor must be willing to feel and bear the burdens of those for whom intercession is made (Ezekiel 4:4).Principles For Effective Intercession, by Joy Dawson, contains these ten principles of intercession which are tried and proven as being effective:
- Praise God for the privilege of engaging in the same wonderful ministry as the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 7:25). Praise God for the privilege of cooperating with Him in the affairs of men.
- Make sure your heart is clean before God, by having given the Holy Spirit time to convict, should there be any unconfessed sin (Psalm 66:18; Psalm 139:23-24). Check carefully to make sure you don't harbour unforgiveness or resentment toward anyone (Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:25). In the Bible's oldest book, Job had to forgive his friends for their wrong judgement of him, before he could pray effectively for them (Job 42:10).
- Acknowledge that you cannot really pray without the direction and energy of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). Ask God to utterly control you by His Spirit, receive by faith that He will, and thank Him (Ephesians 18; Hebrews 11:6).
- Die to your own imaginations, desires, and burdens for what you feel you should pray (Proverbs 3:5,6; 28:26; Isaiah 55:8).
- Deal aggressively with the enemy of us all, the devil. Come against him in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the "sword of the Spirit"—the Word of God (James 4:7).
- Praise God now in faith for the remarkable prayer meeting you're going to have. He's a remarkable God and will do something consistent with His character.
- Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction (Psalm 62:5; Micah 7:7; Psalm 81:11-13).
- In obedience and faith, utter what God brings to your mind—believing (John 10:27). Keep asking God for direction in relation to whom or what you are praying for, expecting Him to answer. He promises to guide and direct you (Psalm 32:8).
Make sure you don't move on to the next subject until you've given God time to discharge all He wants to say to you regarding this particular burden; especially when praying in a group.
Be encouraged from the lives of Moses, Daniel, Paul, and the prophetess Anna, that God gives revelation to those who make intercession a way of life. - If possible, have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or confirmation from it (Psalm 119:105).
- When God ceases to bring things to your mind in prayer, finish by praising and thanking Him for what He has done, reminding yourself of Romans 11:36.
A WARNING: God knows the weakness of the human heart towards pride, and if we speak of what God has revealed and done in intercession, it may lead to committing this sin. God shares His secrets with those who are able to keep them. There may come a time when He definitely prompts us to share, but unless this happens we should remain silent (Luke 9:36; 2:19). Joy Dawson, 1985.
As You Pray
Ask God to reveal those needs for which intercession should be made. Thank and praise Him for calling intercessors and equipping them with gifts to lift burdens and deliver the saints and the needy.Suggestions
Study the Scripture references above.List those you know who need your intercession. In each case, record the date you begin to intercede as well as the date God begins to answer. As you see God answer, you will build your faith and that of others.
Keep a log (diary) of Scripture, circumstances, words of knowledge, wisdom or prophecy, impressions and thoughts that come to you.
Read What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christianson and/or With Christ In The School Of Prayer by Andrew Murray.
Other helpful ministry brochures are available upon request or via these links: PRINCIPLE OF AGREEMENT, FASTING, FAVOUR, GIVING AND TITHING, PRAISE, and THE FULL COUNSEL OF GOD. Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
