3-4-2017  Intercessory Prayer

 Basically, what does the bible say intercessory prayer is?

The Hebrew word used for intercessor or intercession is paga (Strong's 6293) which includes the connotation of entreat, pray or meet together,

The Greek uses two words: huperentugchano (Strongs' 5241) and enteuxis (Strongs' 1783).  huperentugchano is the verb (the act) to intercede or pray for and  enteuxis is the noun - prayer or supplication.

 Webster’s defines intercession as:  Act of interceding, prayer, petition, entreat in favor for another

So what is intercessory prayer?  Coming before God on someone else’s behalf or a situation to effect a resolution from God for that individual or particular situation.

Reasons/Importance of intercession

Jesus intercedes for Himself and us

John 17:1-8                  Jesus spoke these words as He lifted His eyes up to heaven and said “Father, the hour is come, glorify Your Son that Your Son may also glorify you.”  (Jesus goes on to expound the task Father has given Him and how He has succeeded and all that He testified of the Father.)

Luke 22:31-32             (Jesus had just set His disciples straight on who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God, then He turned to Peter)  “Simon, Simon, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that you don’t fail and when you are converted, strengthen the brothers.”

John 17:20                   Neither do I pray for these alone (His disciples) but for all those who would believe on Me through their word.

Paul ask for intercession

Ephesians 6:19-20       ‘Pray’ for me that I may speak the mystery of the gospel boldly because I am an ambassador in bonds (to Jesus) and that I speak boldly those things I need to speak.

We see that intercession can be made for ourselves as well as others. We intercede for others 
so that God might act on their behalf, that it would be well with them. 

That He might give them strength to get through a situation, for healing, for encouragement 

and so forth.  And yes, even for ourselves. 

 

Fruit (results) of intercession

Daniel 2:1-49              King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which his court ministers could not interpret.  The king then ordered all his court magicians, astrologers, etc. executed and when they came to get Daniel and his companions, Daniel sought the presence of the king and said that he (Daniel) could bring the king the interpretation.  Daniel went back to Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah and sought God for the answer (v17-19).  God responded and Daniel praised God saying “Blessed be the name of God for wisdom and might are His.  He changes the times and the seasons, sets up kings and removes them, wisdom to the wise and knowledge for understanding.  He reveals the deep and secret things and knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with Him.  I thank you and praise you O God of my fathers, for you have given me wisdom and might for You have shown me what was desired of you, making known, the king’s matter.”  
                                    He then returned to Nebuchadnezzar with the interpretation and as a result the king appointed Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chief governors.

The fruit of that intercession is when we see the answer to that prayer and whatever rewards 
that may bring.  And we always give God the thanksgiving, praise and glory for bringing the 
request to pass, not only once we see the results, but even upon making that request.  (read 
the entire account in Daniel)

   

Examples of intercession

            Scripture

            Daniel 2:1-49              Again

            Personal - some things that I do

I pray continually for my pastor that Father give her wisdom and discernment for her personal life and the life of our fellowship.  I also pray for boldness, courage and strength to apply what Father shows her into her personal life and that of our fellowship and for her continuing obedience in His word and will.  Father has shown me her growth over the few years that I've known, both as a person and as a pastor.  And I DO give Him the praise and glory for He has shown me (as well as with others).

A number of times I have lifted my son and his family up before the Lord dealing with his situations.  Father has kept him afloat through many avenues: loans, gifts, providing things at the ‘right price’, at the right time.  I could go on, but those are his testimonies.  Father has just allowed me to see the fruit of the intercession.  However, I will mention how Father has continually shown me answer to prayers in changed lives – my son’s spiritual growth, my daughter-in-law’s spiritual growth, where my three grandsons have unknowingly enjoyed God’s protection in their lives.  I will mention one here:  two years ago (I lose track of time very easily anymore) my middle grandson was in the play yard at school.  He was not yet siting down at the top of the slide and was accidentally  bumped over the side, six or seven feet to the ground landing squarely on his head.  As soon as I was notified what had happened I asked the Lord for protection over my grandson.  Later I received the news that there was no concussion or any other result from the fall.  He was (double) A-OK!  (PTL).   

I learned another thing from that incident.  I had gotten busy doing other things that morning so I was negligent with my normal morning prayer time where I always pray for family – first, but not that morning.  Even though most mornings my only prayer for family (and for many others) is simply “Thank you Lord for your love, grace and mercy abiding in the lives of my family that it is well with them today.".  Up until that morning, I felt that this simple, insignificant prayer wasn’t much, but it was better than nothing.  But Father showed me that even though He healed my grandson, that simple prayer would have prevented the fall to begin with.  ‘Insignificant’ prayer keeps angels around about my grandchildren (and others).

Testimonies

Can we think of any examples in our personal lives where God has answered our prayers for others?  

(put on your thinking caps and give God the glory for those answered prayers)

Qualities of an intercessor

 John Charles Ryle aspired to be a politician but when family finances took a tumble he pursued the clergy becoming a bishop in the church, pastor, writer and evangelist.  He supported evangelical efforts while being a critic of ritualism.  He died in 1900 after more than sixty years service in the church.  Among those things accredited to him is the following list for a "Right Heart Before God":

              

1 A right heart is a NEW heart Ezek. 36:26, 2 Cor. 5:17

2 A right heart is a BROKEN and CONTRITE heart Psalm 51:17. 2 Kings 22:19

3 A right heart is a heart which BELIEVES ON CHRIST ALONE for salvation, and in which Christ      dwells by faith Rom. 10:10; Eph. 3:17, Heb. 10:22

4 A right heart is a PURIFIED heart Acts 15:9; Matt. 5:8, 2 Cor. 7:1, Psalm 119:11

5 A right heart is a PRAYING heart Rom. 8:15, Psalm 27:8

6 A right heart is a heart that FEELS CONFLICT within it Gal. 5:17, Rom. 7:23

7 A right heart is HONEST, UNDIVIDED and TRUE Luke 8:15; 1 Chron. 12:33; Heb. 10:22


From this list, we can draw that an intercessor must clear the air and have a right spiritual attitude (I have to be right with God – praise & worship before petition)

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes but the Lord ponders the heart
No distractions (am I serious about this prayer?)

Matt. 6:6 But when you pray, enter your closet and shut the door and pray to your Father in secret and your Father who sees you in secret shall reward you openly.
To the point (know exactly what I’m praying for/about – be specific)

Matt. 6:7-8 When you pray, don’t use vain repetitions, as the heathen do, for they think they will be heard for the much saying so don’t be like them for your Father knows what you need, even before you ask Him.

Take authority (as warranted) (not every intercessory prayer is casting out devils, rebuking spirits, etc. It could be for wisdom, direction, strength, etc.)

John 15:7 If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done to you.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, when you pray for those things which you desire, believe that you receive them and you shall have them.

Again, what is intercessory prayer? Coming before God on someone else’s behalf or a situation to effect a resolution from God for that individual or a particular situation. Approaching the heavenly throne (of God) in truth, honesty and sincerity, having effectively cleansed our own hearts (as we pray) so as not to hinder God's work and so Father can effectively work on the heart of the individual or situation bringing it to His resolution. When we pray, get to the point.  So as we live in Christ Jesus we can believe God will grant us our desire – and he will. (Luke 5:12-13 – You can heal me if you will and Jesus says “I will”)

I’ve watched Doug Addison’s March 2017 prophetic video and he speaks of the “Wind of Change Angel” (check it out www.dougaddison,com).   He also mentions the ‘billion soul revival’ Bob Jones prophesied years ago.

 Intercessory prayer becomes very necessary for this to occur whether on a global level or a local level (that little sphere around our individual existence). Father has shared with me that there is a revival coming that will make any and all other revivals pale in comparison, not to belittle what has already happened (everything has its time, place and purpose), but this will be awesome. Father is preparing hearts within His children so that not only the world may be evangelized, but the church as well.  So, what do you think?  Will intercessory prayer play a role in this event?   I suspect so!
Amen