Basic Intercessory Prayer Guide

Intercessory Prayer Menu

Preface
1. Introduction to Prayer
2. Intercessory Prayer
3. Spiritual Resources to Prayer
4. How to Intercede
5. Hindrances to Effective Prayer
6. Using Lord's Prayer to Intercede
7. Interceding for Revival
8. Getting Started & Keeping going

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO PRAYER

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Define Prayer.
-Explain how Prayer is answered.
-Summarize the role of Prayer in the Life of Jesus Christ.
-Identify the levels of Prayer.
-Identify the different types of Prayer.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the subject of Prayer. You will learn the definition of
Prayer and the importance Jesus placed on it. You will learn how prayer is
answered and the different levels and types of Prayer.

THE DEFINITION OF PRAYER

Prayer is communicating with God. It takes different forms, but basically it occurs
when man talks with God and God talks with man.

Prayer is described as:

-Calling upon the name of the Lord: Genesis l2:8
-Crying unto God: Psalms 27:7; 34:6
-Drawing near to God: Psalms 73:28; Hebrews l0:22
-Looking up: Psalms 5:3
-Lifting up the Soul: Psalms 25:l
-Lifting up the Heart: Lamentations 3:4l
-Pouring out the Heart: Psalms 62:8
-Pouring out the Soul: I Samuel l:l5
-Crying to Heaven: II Chronicles 32:20
-Beseeching the Lord: Exodus 32:ll
-Seeking God: Job 8:5
-Seeking the face of the Lord: Psalms 27:8
-Making Supplication: Job 8:5; Jeremiah 36:7
 Prayer is not just talking to God, but it involves listening also. Prayer is
communication, and a one-way conversation does not last long. When you pray,
expect God to speak to you. Most often He will do this through His written Word
or by a still small voice that seems to speak to your heart. Sometimes He will
give you a vision or interpret back to your Spirit what you have Prayed in your
Heavenly Prayer Language. Don't just rush in and dump all your requests on God
and then end your Prayer. Allow time for Him to speak to you. He will give
answers to your questions, guidance for the day ahead, and help you order your
priorities. Sometimes He will give you a special message of encouragement to
share with someone for whom you are interceding. When you Pray, there is no
one approved posture for Prayer.

You may Pray while:

-Standing: I Kings 8:22; Mark ll:25
-Bowing down: Psalms 95:6
-Kneeling: II Chronicles 6:l3; Psalms 95:6; Luke 22:4l; Acts 20:36
-Falling on your face: Numbers l6:22; Jos.5:l4; I Chron. 2l:l6; Matthew 26:39
-Spreading out your hands: Isaiah l:l5; II Chronicles 6:l3
-Lifting up the hands: Psalms 28:2; Lamentations 2:l9; I Timothy 2:8

HOW PRAYER IS ANSWERED

The Bible reveals that prayer is answered:

-Immediately at times: Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:2l-23
-Delayed at times: Luke l8:7
-Different from our desires: II Corinthians l2:8-9
-Beyond our expectations: Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 3:20

THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS

Prayer should be important to us. It was important to the Lord Jesus. Jesus is our
greatest model of Intercessory Prayer. Study each of the following references
about the Prayer Life of Jesus:

JESUS MADE PRAYER A PRIORITY:

-He Prayed any time of the day or night: Luke 6:l2-l3

-Prayer took priority over eating: John 4:3l-32
-Prayer took priority over business: John 4:3l-32

PRAYER ACCOMPANIED ANY EVENT OF IMPORTANCE IN HIS LIFE:

-At His baptism: Luke 3:2l-22

-During the first ministry tour: Mark l:35; Luke 5:l6
-Before the choice of the disciples: Luke 6:l2-13
-Before and after the feeding of the 5,000: Mat l4:l9,23; Mark 6:4l,46; John 6:ll,l4-
l5
-At the feeding of the 4,000: Matthew l5:36; Mark 8:6,7
-Before the confession of Peter: Luke 9:l8
-Before the transfiguration: Luke 9:28,29
-At the return of the seventy: Matthew ll:25; Luke l0:2l
-At the grave of Lazarus: John ll:4l-42
-At the blessing of the children: Matthew l9:l3
-At the coming of certain Greeks: John l2:27-28
-For Peter: Luke 22:32
-For the giving of the Holy Spirit: John l4:l6
-On the road to Emmaus: Luke 24:30-3l
-Prior to His ascension: Luke 24:50-53
-For His followers: John l7
-The prayer Jesus taught is recorded in: Matthew 6:9-l3
-Before His greatest trial: Mat. 26:26-27; Mk l4:22-23

LEVELS OF PRAYER

There are three levels of intensity in Prayer: Asking, Seeking, and Knocking:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh
findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Asking is the first level of Prayer. It is simply presenting a request to God and
receiving an immediate answer. In order to receive, the condition is to ask:

...ye have not, because ye ask not. (James 4:2)

Seeking is a deeper level of Prayer. This is the level of Prayer where answers
are not as immediate as at the asking level. The l20 gathered in the upper room
where they continued in Prayer is an example of Seeking. These men and
women sought fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit and continued
seeking until the answer came (Acts l-2). Knocking is a deeper level. It is Prayer
that is persistent when answers are longer in coming. It is illustrated by the
parable Jesus told in Luke ll:5-l0. It is also illustrated by the persistence of Daniel
who continued to knock despite the fact he saw no visible results because
Satan hindered the answer from God (Daniel 10).

TYPES OF PRAYER

Paul calls for believers to Pray always with all prayer (Ephesians 6:l8). Another
translation of the Bible reads praying with every kind of prayer (Goodspeed
Translation).

This refers to the various types of Prayer which include:

1. WORSHIP AND PRAISE:

You enter into God's presence with Worship and Praise:

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be
thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. (Psalms 100:4)

Worship is the giving of Honor and Devotion. Praise is Thanksgiving and an

expression of gratitude not only for what God has done but for who He is. You are
to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth:

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a
Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John
4:23-24)
 Worshipping God in truth means that you Worship Him on the basis of what
is revealed in the Word of God. To Worship Him in Spirit is to do so sincerely in
the power of the Holy Spirit, from your innermost being, putting Him first above
all others. When you Worship in Spirit, you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your
Worship. You do not use man-made formulas or rituals of Worship. You do not just
repeat chants or prayers with your mind somewhere else. Instead, you open up
the innermost recesses of your heart and mind, and lift praise and adoration to
Him in your own words. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will take over completely and
you will begin to Worship in the other tongues of your Prayer Tongues.

Praise and Worship can be with:

-Singing: Psalms 9:2,ll; 40:3; Mark l4:26

-Audible praise: Psalms l03:l
-Shouting: Psalms 47:l
-Lifting up of the hands: Psalms 63:4; l34:2; I Timothy 2:8
-Clapping: Psalms 47:l
-Musical instruments; Psalms l50:3-5
-Standing: II Chronicles 20:l9
-Bowing: Psalms 95:6
-Dancing: Psalms l49:3
-Kneeling: Psalms 95:6
-Lying down: Psalms l49:5

2. COMMITMENT:

This is Prayer committing your life and will to God. It includes Prayers of
Consecration and Dedication to God, His work, and His purposes.

3. PETITION:

Prayers of petition are requests. Requests must be made according to the will
of God as revealed in His written Word. Petitions may be at the levels of asking,
seeking, or knocking. Supplication is another word for this type of Prayer. The
word supplication means beseeching God" or strongly appealing to Him in
behalf of a need.

4. CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE:

A Prayer of Confession is Repenting and Asking Forgiveness for Sin:

CHAPTER TWO

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

OBJECTIVES:

-Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Define intercessory Prayer.
-Explain the Biblical basis of the believer's Ministry as an Intercessor.
-Identify Jesus Christ as our model for Intercession.
-Explain how Intercession is done.
-Explain why Intercession is important.

INTRODUCTION

In the last lesson you learned that Intercession is Praying for others. An Intercessor is one
who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. When you Pray this way, you are
Interceding:

Intercession may be defined as Holy, believing, persevering Prayer whereby someone

pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention.
(Full Life Bible) It is upon this type of Prayer that the remainder of this manual focuses. In
this lesson you will learn the Biblical basis of Intercession and about our model for
Intercession, the Lord Jesus Christ. You will also learn how to do Intercession and why it is
an important Ministry.

THE BIBLICAL BASIS OF INTERCESSION

The Biblical basis for the New Testament believer's Ministry of Intercessory prayer is our
calling as priests unto God. The Word of God declares that we are a Holy Priesthood (I Peter
2:5), a Royal Priesthood (I Peter 2:9), and a Kingdom of Priests (Revelation 1:5). The
background for understanding this calling to Priestly Intercession is found in the Old
Testament example of the Levitical Priesthood. The Priest's responsibility was to stand before
and between. He stood before God to Minister to Him with sacrifices and offerings.

The Priests also stood between a Righteous God and Sinful man bringing them together at
the place of the blood sacrifice. Hebrews 7:ll-19 explains the difference between the Old and
New Testament Ministries of the Priest. The Old Testament Levitical Priesthood was passed
on from generation to generation through the descendants of the tribe of Levi. The
Melchizedek priesthood spoken of in this passage, is the new order of Spiritual Priests of
whom the Lord Jesus is the High Priest. It is passed on to us through His blood and our
Spiritual Birth as new creatures in Christ.

THE MODEL INTERCESSOR

The Bible records that God's purpose in sending Jesus was for Him to serve as an Intercessor:
 And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore
His arm brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him. (Isaiah
59:l6)

Jesus stands before God and between Him and Sinful man, just as the Old Testament Priests
did:

For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5) ...It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)
Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing
He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

Jesus brings sinful man and a Righteous God together at the place of the blood sacrifice
for sin. No longer is the blood of animals necessary as it was in the Old Testament. We can
now approach God on the basis of the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross of Calvary
for the remission of sins. Because of the blood of Jesus, you can approach God boldly
without timidity (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus was an Intercessor while He was here on earth. He
Prayed for those who were sick and possessed by demons. He Prayed for His disciples. He
even Prayed for you when He Interceded for all those who would believe on Him. Jesus
continued His ministry of Intercession after His death and Resurrection when He returned to
Heaven. He now serves as our Intercessor in Heaven.

HOW INTERCESSION IS DONE

As Intercessors following the Old Testament Priestly function and the New Testament
pattern of Jesus, we stand before God and between a righteous God and Sinful man. In order
to be effective standing between we must first stand before God to develop the intimacy
necessary to fulfill this role. Numbers 14 is one of the greatest accounts of Intercessory
Prayer recorded in the Bible. Moses was able to stand between God and Sinful man because
he had stood before Him and had developed intimacy of communication. Numbers 12:8
records that "God spoke with Moses as friend to friend" and not through visions and dreams
as He did with other prophets. As New Testament believers we no longer sacrifice animals as
in Old Testament times.

We stand before the Lord to offer up spiritual sacrifices of Praise (Hebrews 13:5) and the
sacrifice of our own lives (Romans 12:1). It is on the basis of this intimate relationship with
God that we can then stand between Him and others, serving as an advocate and
Intercessor in their behalf. Peter uses two words to describe this Priestly Ministry: Holy
and Royal. Holiness is required to stand before the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We are able to
do it only on the basis of the Righteousness of Christ not our own righteousness. Royalty is
descriptive of the kingly authority which is delegated to us as members of the royal family,
so to speak, with legitimate access to the throne room of God. Sometimes this Priestly
Intercession is done with understanding. This occurs when you intercede for others in your
own native language and you understand what you are saying:

I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority... (I Timothy 2:l-2)
 At other times, intercession is made by the Holy Spirit. It may be with "groanings"
resulting from a heavy Spiritual burden. It may also be in an unknown Tongue. When this
happens, the Holy Spirit speaks through you Praying directly to God according to the Will of
God:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for
as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot
be uttered. (Romans 8:26) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to
God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (I
Corinthians 14:2)

You do not understand this type of Intercession with your mind, but it is the deepest level
of Intercessory Prayer and the most effective because it is made according to the will of
God. Your mind and will do not affect the Prayers Prayed by the Holy Spirit through you in
an unknown Tongue.

WHY INTERCESSION IS IMPORTANT

Intercession is obviously important because of the emphasis Jesus placed on it in His own
earthly Ministry. Its importance is also revealed in the Biblical record which is filled with the
stories of men and women who experienced powerful results through effective Intercession.
Through effective Intercession, you can go spiritually anywhere in the world. Your prayers
have no limitations of distance as they can penetrate unreached Nations and cross through
geographical, cultural and political barriers. You can affect the destiny of individuals and
entire nations. You can actually help save lives and souls of men and women, boys and girls
and extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God around the World as you Intercede in Prayer.

CHAPTER THREE

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES FOR INTERCESSION

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Identify the Spiritual Resources for Intercession, including:

-Delegated Power and Authority.
-Binding and loosing.
-The Name of Jesus.
-The Blood of Jesus.
-Fasting.

Use these Spiritual Resources in Intercession.

INTRODUCTION

God has provided tremendous Spiritual Resources for this Ministry of Intercession to
which we are called. In this lesson you will learn how to use these resources which include
delegated Power and Authority, Binding and Loosing, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus
and Fasting.

DELEGATED POWER AND AUTHORITY

When we intercede in Prayer we actually battle with our enemy, Satan, for the souls of
men and women, boys and girls, for Nations, and Spiritual and political leaders. We do not do
this in our own ability or strength, but on the basis of the Spiritual Power and Authority
delegated to us by Jesus:

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all
devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:l)

There is a difference between Authority and Power. Consider the example of a policeman.
He has a badge and a uniform which are symbols of his authority. His authority comes
because of the position he holds with the government. Since not all people respect that
authority, the policeman also carries a weapon and that weapon is his power. Your Authority
over the enemy comes through Jesus Christ and your position in Him as a believer. Your
Power over the enemy comes through the Holy Spirit:

And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of
Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49)

Like the policeman, you must have both Authority and Power to be effective in
Intercession, for you are actually doing spiritual battle with Satan. Believers receive
Authority through the new birth experience and their position in Christ but some never go on
to receive the Power of the Holy Spirit which must be combined with Authority to intercede
effectively Satan has limited Power, but he has no Authority. Jesus gave us both Power and
Authority over all the Power of the enemy. The Power Jesus gave is directed Power to be
used for specific purposes in Intercession:

POWER OVER THE ENEMY:

You have authority to intercede in Prayer for those who need Healing and Deliverance:

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all
devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:l)

POWER OVER SIN:

You have authority to intercede for those who need Salvation:

Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain,
they are retained. (John 20:22)

POWER TO EXTEND THE GOSPEL:

You have authority to Pray for laborers to extend the Gospel:

Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Matthew
9:36-37)

BINDING AND LOOSING

The term to bind originates from the Hebrew word asar meaning to bind, imprison,
tie, gird, to harness. The word occurs approximately 70 times in the Hebrew Old Testament
and was often used to indicate the tying up of horses and donkeys (II Kings 7:10). The
remarks of Jesus in Matthew 12:28-29 are of great significance.

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon
you. Or else how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he
first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. (Matthew 12:28-29)

His teaching is clear. It is impossible to take the possessions of the strong man without
first of all binding the strong man. Jesus, in speaking of the strong man, is referring to Satan.
Those possessions which are to be taken from him are his most prized possessions of all, lost
individuals enslaved by him, including those who are demonized. Jesus gave believers the
power to bind and loose:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be
loosed in Heaven. (Matthew l6:l9)

Jesus taught the importance of Binding Evil Spirits before casting them out, but the
principle of Binding and Loosing extends to more than casting out demons. You can Bind the
Power of the enemy to work in your life, home, community, and Church fellowship. You can
loose men and women from the bondage of sin, depression, and discouragement of the
enemy. In every situation...every problem, every challenge...there is a spiritual key. That key
is Binding and Loosing through Intercessory Prayer.

THE NAME OF JESUS

The Name of Jesus is the Authority upon which we intercede. Jesus promised:

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John l4:l4)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give
it you. (John 6:23)
And these signs shall follow them that believe, IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils;
they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover. (Mark l6:l7-l8)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in
earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I
have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:l8-20)
You are to Pray, Preach, Teach, Baptize, cast out demons, heal the sick, and overcome every
Power of the enemy through the name of Jesus. "The name of Jesus is more Powerful than
any other name:"

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians l:2l)
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every
name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things
in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-ll)

THE BLOOD OF JESUS

The blood of Jesus is another Powerful Spiritual Resource that enables us to intercede. It is
through His Blood that we have access to God the Father:

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new
and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is His flesh, And having
a High Priest over the house of God. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance
of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with
pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who
promised is faithful. Hebrews l0:l9-22

The Holiest is the place were God dwells. We do not access God's presence by
religious ritual or complicated procedures. We access it by the blood of Jesus Christ. The
subject of blood is a scarlet thread that runs throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to
Revelation. The Bible teaches that the life of man and beasts is in the blood (Leviticus
l7:ll,l4). Because the penalty for Sin is Death (Romans 6:23) and since life is in the blood,
God established the principle that forgiveness of Sins comes only through the shedding of
blood:

And according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and without shedding of
blood there is no remission (from sin). (Hebrews 9:22)

God made the first blood sacrifice in the Garden of Eden after the Sin of Adam and Eve
when He killed animals and clothed the couple in skins which were representative of the
Righteousness of Christ. The importance of the blood sacrifice is emphasized through the
story of Cain and Abel, the covenant of circumcision with the Israelites and the Levitical
ceremonies in the Tabernacle. In the Old Testament the blood of animals was offered as
sacrifice repeatedly whenever man sinned. Hebrews 8 details this process and describes it as
the old covenant. In the New Testament God sent Jesus to shed His blood for sin once and
for all. His blood is described as the new covenant (Mark 14:24) and He is the Mediator of
this New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6). This made the Old Covenant obsolete, meaning it is no
longer necessary that the blood of animals be offered as a sacrifice for sin:

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered in the most holy
place once for all, having obtained ETERNAL redemption. (Hebrews 9:l2)

Hebrews 12:24 indicates that the blood of Jesus speaks for us and what it confesses
provides valuable eternal benefits for us. When Paul directs us to hold fast our confession
(Hebrews 10:22), it relates back to the previous verses which indicates we have the right to
draw near to the Holiest. You enter God's presence in Prayer the same way you are saved, by
confessing the benefits of the Blood of Jesus:

...If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to
righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. (Romans l0:9-10)

God acts in response to your confession which has Authority because it is based on the
testimony of the Blood of Jesus. The blood declares that you can enter right now into the
most holy place where God dwells and minister through Intercession.

FASTING

Another Spiritual Resource for effective Intercession is Fasting. Fasting, in the most
simple definition, is going without food. Fasting is one of the things that approves us as
Ministers of God (II Corinthians 6:3-10). Prayer with Fasting was practiced in the early
Church (Acts l4:23) and Paul encourages us to give ourselves to it (I Corinthians 7:5).

TYPES OF FASTS:

According to the Bible there are two types of fasts. The total Fast is when you do not eat or
drink at all. An example of this is found in Acts 9:9. The Partial Fast is when the diet is
restricted. An example of this is in Daniel l0:3.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FASTING:

-Abraham's servant fasted while seeking the right bride for Isaac (Genesis 24:33).
-Moses fasted for 40 days and nights while receiving the revelations of the law and the
Tabernacle (Exodus 34).
-Hannah fasted for a child (11 Samuel 1:7-8).
-Nehemiah fasted for the restoration of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).
-The Jews fasted for deliverance following Haman's evil decree of death (Esther 4).
-The entire city of Ninevah fasted in response to Jonah's call for repentance (Jonah ).
-David fasted just prior to assuming his God-given destiny as King of Israel (1 Samuel 31).

Daniel fasted for 21 days and at the conclusion received the message from God that
launched the turning point for the Hebrews in captivity.
Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast prior to battle (2 Chronicles 20:3).
Ezra called a fast of repentance for the exiles by the river Ahava (Ezra 8-9).
Jesus fasted prior to entering His Ministry (Matthew 4).
The Apostle Paul fasted after his conversion (Acts 9).
It was during a time of fasting that Peter received his commission to share the Gospel with
the entiles and Cornelius was prepared to receive the revelation (Acts 10).
The disciples were Fasting and Praying when the Holy Spirit separated Paul and Barnabas
for Missionary Service (Acts 13:2).

THE PURPOSES OF FASTING:

 Fasting does not change God. It changes you. God relates to you on the basis of your
relationship to Him. When you change, then the way God deals with you is affected. You do
not Fast to change God because God does not change. Fasting does change how He deals
with you. Read the Book of Jonah for an example of how this happened in the City of
Ninevah. On one occasion when the Disciples of Jesus failed to bring help to a Demon
possessed youngster, Jesus explained that this kind came out only by Fasting and Prayer
(Mark 9:29). There are certain situations in life which you cannot face apart from Prayer and
Fasting. More and more as the end time approaches, we will encounter this kind of
situations, critical dilemmas we have never before experienced. Our victory over this kind
will necessitate Fasting. There are definite Spiritual purposes for fasting. It is important that
you understand these purposes. If you fast for the wrong reasons or with no specific purpose,
the fast will be ineffective. Study each of the following references.

They reveal that people fasted:

-In response to a message from God: Jonah 3:5

-During times of wilderness testing: Luke 4:1
-During the threat of national calamity or war: II Chronicles 20:3
-When revelation was needed from God: Daniel 9:3-4
-When making decisions: Acts 13:2-3
-When making special requests before authorities: Esther 4:16
-To prepare for confrontation with demonic activity: Mark 9:29
-To humble ones self: Psalms 35:l3; 69:l0
-To repent of sin: Joel 2:l2
-To feed the poor, both physically and spiritually: Isaiah 58:7
-To be heard of God: II Samuel l2:l6,22; Jonah 3:5,l0;
-To loose bands of wickedness, lift heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break every
bondage: Isaiah 58:6

LENGTH OF THE FAST:

How long you Fast depends upon what God speaks into your spirit. He may lead you to
fast a brief or lengthy time. Remember the story of Esau and Jacob? Jacob was originally
making a meal for himself but denied himself in order to obtain the birthright. How much
better if Esau had Fasted that meal! If you have never Fasted, begin by Fasting one meal.
Next you might want to try fasting from sundown one day to sundown the next night. Then
you might increase your fasting to more lengthy periods of time. You should always drink
water on long Fasts. The body can go without food for long periods, but water is needed to
maintain bodily functions.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FASTING:

Fasting is a personal matter between an individual and God. It is to be done in private and not
boasted about:

Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure
their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their
reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou
appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which
seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:l6-l8)
Leaders may call a public Fast and request the whole Church fellowship to Fast:

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. (Joel 2:l5)

GOD'S CHOSEN FAST:

Isaiah 58 describes God's chosen or divinely approved fast. God's chosen fast is one:
-Where you humble yourself before God - verse 5
-To loose the bonds of wickedness - verse 6
-Which undoes heavy burdens - verse 6
-That frees the oppressed - verse 6
-Done with unselfish motives and manifested charity - verse 7

HE RESULTS OF FASTING:

When you Fast, the first thing that happens is that God begins to reveal Himself to you.
The Father says, Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will
say, `Here am I' (Isaiah 58:9). Other results of fasting itemized in Isaiah 58 are:

Illumination: Verses 8 and 10 declare that the dark periods of your life will become like
noonday. When others think they have extinguished your Spiritual light, it will rise again and
break forth like the morning.

Direction: Verse 11 promises that the Lord will guide you continually.

Provision: Verse 11 declares God will satisfy your soul in drought. (This can apply to both
material and Spiritually lean times.) Verse 11 also describes unlimited Spiritual Resources.
You will be like a well watered garden, and a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Rejuvenation: Verse 11 declares God will strengthen your bones and verse 8 proclaims
that your healing shall spring forth speedily.

Restoration: Verse 12 indicates that you and your Spiritual Seed shall build the old waste
places, ...raise up the foundations of many generations...And you shall be called the Repairer
of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

RESOURCES FOR INTERCESSION

The believer has Powerful Spiritual Resources to enable effective Intercession. As you have
learned in this chapter, these include:
-Delegated Power and Authority.
-The Blood of Jesus.
-Binding and loosing.
-Fasting.
-The Name of Jesus.
CHAPTER FOUR

HOW TO INTERCEDE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain how to Intercede.

-Summarize principles for effective Intercession.
-Identify what to Intercede for.
Use the promises of God to Intercede.

INTRODUCTION

The key element in Intercessory Prayer is not how loud we Pray, nor how energetic we are
in our Prayers (this is not say that these are wrong), but how sincere our requests are as we
make them known unto God. It is imperative that God's Glory be the end of our Intercession
because Satan's chief goal is to prevent God from being glorified. Therefore if we are to have
as our primary goal, the Glorification of God, and commit our whole Soul and being to the
movement of Intercessory Prayer, God will manifest Himself. Then you will call upon me
and when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you... (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Prayer should be offered in Faith and according to the Will of God:

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. (I John 5:14-15)

In this lesson you will learn what the Bible teaches about how to intercede and what to
intercede for. You will also learn how to base your Intercession upon the promises of God's
Word.

HOW TO INTERCEDE

Look up each of the following references in your Bible. These passages provide Biblical
guidelines for Intercession:

Prayer is to be made to God: Psalms 5:2

-Quality rather than quantity is stressed; Matthew 6:7
-Prayer is not successful because of much speaking: Daniel 6:10; Luke 11:5-l3;
Empty repetition is forbidden, but earnest Luke l8:l-8

repetition is not

-Pray with understanding (in a known tongue): Ephesians 6:l8

-Pray in the Spirit in tongues: Romans 8:26; Jude 20
-Intercede according to the will of God: I John 5:l4-l5
-Pray in secret: Matthew 6:6
-Pray always: Luke 2l:36; Ephesians 6:l8
-Pray continually without ceasing: Romans 12:12; I Thess. 5:l7
-Intercede to the Father in the name of Jesus: John l5:l6
-Pray with a watchful attitude: I Peter 4:7
-Pray using the example of the model prayer: Matthew 6:9-l3
-Pray with a forgiving spirit: Mark ll:25
-Pray with humility: Matthew 6:7
-Sometimes accompany prayer with fasting: Matthew l7:2l
-Intercede fervently: James 5:l6; Colossians 4:l2
-Pray with submission to God: Luke 22:42
Use the strategies of binding and loosing in prayer: Matthew l6:l9

PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION

Here are some principles of effective Intercession drawn from the foregoing Scriptures:

1. Praise God for who He is and 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 through prayer.

2. Make sure your heart is clean before God by having given the Holy Spirit time to convict,
should there be any unconfessed sin (Psalms 66:28;239:23-24).

3. Acknowledge 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 does,
and thank Him (Ephesians 5:18).

4. Deal aggressively with the enemy. 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).

5. Die to your own imaginations, desires, and burdens for what you feel you should Pray
(Proverbs 3:5-6; 28:26; Isaiah 55:8).

6. Praise God now in Faith for the remarkable Prayer meeting you are going to have. He is a
remarkable God and will do something consistent with His character.

7. Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction (Psalms 62:5; Micah 7:7;
Psalms 81:11-13).

8. In Obedience and Faith, utter what God brings to your mind, believing (John 10:27). Keep
asking God for direction, expecting Him to give it to you. He will (Psalms 32:8). Make sure
you don't move to the next subject until you have given God time to discharge all He wants to
say regarding this burden, especially when Praying in a group. Be encouraged by the lives of
Moses, Daniel, Paul and Anna, knowing that God gives revelation to those who make
Intercession a way of life.
9. If possible, have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or
confirmation from it (Psalms 119:10-5).

10. When God ceases to bring things to your mind to Pray for, finish by Praising and
Thanking Him for what He has done, reminding yourself of Romans 11:36,For from Him
and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

WHAT TO INTERCEDE FOR

Study the following Biblical references which reveal what you are to intercede for:

-The peace of Jerusalem: Psalms l22:6

-Laborers in the harvest: Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2
-That you enter not into temptation: Luke 22:40-46
-Them that despitefully use you (your enemies): Luke 6:28
-All the saints: Ephesians 6:l8
-The sick: James 5:l4
-One for another (bearing each others burdens): James 5:l6
-(You sin by neglecting to pray for others: I Samuel l2:23)
-For all men, kings, and those in authority: I Timothy 2:l-4
-For daily needs: Matthew 6:ll
-For wisdom: James l:5
-For healing: James 5:l4-l5
-For forgiveness: Matthew 6:l2
For God's will and Kingdom to be established: Matthew 6:l0
For relief from affliction: James 5:l3
For unity in the Body of Christ: John 17
For the persecuted church around the world: Hebrews 13:3

INTERCEDING WITH THE PROMISES

God answers Prayer according to His will and His will is revealed in the promises recorded in
His Word. When you do not ask on the basis of these promises your prayer is not answered.

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
(James 4:3)

It is similar to how a father relates to his children. No parent commits to give his
youngsters anything they want or ask for. He makes it clear that he will do certain things and
not do other things. Within these limits the father answers his child's requests. It is the same
way with God. He has given promises and they form the proper basis for Prayer.

Learn what God has promised and pray according to these promises, then you know your
Prayer will answered. One way to do this is to go through the Bible and mark all the promises
of God and then base your Prayers upon these promises. When you Pray a promise, you
actually declare God's

Word back to Him. Here is an example:

 Thank you God that you know what is needed even before I ask (Matthew 6:8). I come to
you in the name of Jesus, knowing what I ask will be done (John 14:14). I pray for laborers
for the harvest to be raised up to extend the Kingdom of God... (Matthew 9:37-38)

Here are a few examples of Biblical promises. These promises focus specifically on the
subject of Prayer:

The Father knows what you need even before you ask: Matthew 6:8
If any two agree in prayer, it will be answered: Matthew l8:l9
All things are possible with God: Matthew l9:26; Luke l8:27
Prayer combined with faith is effective: Matthew 2l:22; Mark ll:24
If you ask in the name of Jesus, it will be done: John l4:l4
The effectual fervent (heart-felt) prayer of the righteous availeth much: James 5:l6

CHAPTER FIVE

HINDRANCES TO EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Identify and eliminate hindrances to effective Intercession.
-Know when not to Pray.

INTRODUCTION

If you want to intercede properly you must identify hindrances to effective Intercession and
eliminate these from your life. A hindrance is anything that stands in your way, preventing
you from doing Intercession.

HINDRANCES TO EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION

Study the following Scriptures which reveal hindrances to effective Intercession:

-Sin of any kind: Isaiah 59:l-2; Psalm 66:l8; Isaiah l:l5; Proverbs 28:9
-Idols in the heart: Ezekiel l4:l-3
An unforgiving spirit: Mark ll:25; Matthew 5:23
Selfishness, wrong motives: Proverbs 2l:l3; James 4:3
Power hungry, manipulative prayers: James 4:2-3
Wrong treatment of marriage partner: I Peter 3:7
Self-righteousness: Luke l8:l0-l4
Unbelief: James l:6-7
Not abiding in Christ and His Word: John l5:7
Lack of compassion: Proverbs 2l:l3
Hypocrisy, pride, meaningless repetition: Matthew 6:5; Job 35:l2-l3
Not asking according to the will of God: James 4:2-3
Not asking in Jesus' name: John l6:24
Satanic demonic hindrances: Daniel l0:l0-l3; Ephesians 6:l2
Not seeking first the Kingdom: Only when you seek first the Kingdom Matthew 6:33 are
you promised the other things:
When you do not know how to Pray as you should, prayer is hindered. Romans 8:26 This is
why it is important to let the Holy Spirit Pray through you

ELIMINATING HINDRANCES TO INTERCESSION

Remember that identifying hindrances to Intercession is not enough, but you must also ask
God to help you to eliminate them from your life. You must crucify the flesh. Also remember
that what seems to be unanswered Prayer does not mean there are hindrances in your life. As
we mentioned in Chapter One, answers to Prayer may be delayed (Luke l8:7) or answered
differently from our desires (II Corinthians l2:8-9).

WHEN NOT TO PRAY

It is important to learn how to wait and intercede before the Lord in Prayer for His
guidance and direction before acting. It is equally important to know when not to Pray.
Sometimes your Prayer of Intercession will result in God calling you to action instead of
more prayer. This is illustrated by the story of Israel at the bitter waters of Marah where they
desperately needed water, but could not drink from this poison stream. When Moses cried
unto the Lord in Intercession, God showed him exactly what to do to sweeten the waters.
There was no need to wait further on the Lord in Prayer. Moses was to act upon what God
had revealed. The same was true of Joshua when he interceded for Israel about the terrible
defeat they suffered at Ai. God revealed there was Sin among the people and He actually told
Joshua...

Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned...Up, sanctify the
people...(Joshua 7:portions of l0, l2, and l3)

It was not the time to Pray but it was time to act upon the direction given in Prayer. Some
people use Intercession as an excuse to avoid doing what God has told them to do. Powerful
Intercession leads to dynamic, effective action. Some people continue to intercede when God
has already answered but they did not like the answer. Review the story of Balaam in
Numbers 22. Note especially verses l8-l9. Balaam had no right to go to God with the same
matter for God had clearly forbidden him to have anything to do with it (see verse l2). It was
time to stop Praying about it.

CHAPTER SIX

USING LORD'S PRAYER TO INTERCEDE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

Provide the Scriptural references for both versions of the model Prayer.
Explain why the Lord's Prayer is actually a Prayer of Intercession.
Recite the model Prayer from memory.
Use the model Prayer as a guide for Intercession.

INTRODUCTION

There are two versions of what is called the Lord's Prayer or the Model Prayer. One
is recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and one in Luke 11:2-4. Most Bible scholars agree that the
similarities between them justify regarding the two versions as forms of the same Prayer
rather than different Prayers. Matthew's version was given when Jesus taught the Sermon on
the Mount. The passage in the Book of Luke was given about two and a half years later when
the disciples came to Jesus asking Him to teach them to Pray. During this interim period, the
disciples had watched Jesus Pray and witnessed the Power that resulted from His Prayer
experiences. This created in the Disciples a yearning desire to learn to Pray, so they asked
their Master, Teach us to Pray. Jesus responded with the words of what has come to be
called the Lord's Prayer:

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

A PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

When the disciples came to Jesus, they said Teach us to Pray, not Teach us a Prayer.
Jesus responded to their request by using a method commonly employed by the Jewish
Rabbis. The Rabbis often listed certain topics of truth, then under each point provided a
complete outline. In this model Prayer, Jesus used this same teaching pattern. He gave topics
and instructed, After this manner, therefore, Pray. After this manner, therefore, pray
(houtos oun in the Greek text) means pray along these lines. Jesus did not command His
followers to repeat the Prayer word for word, but rather to Pray after this manner. His
Prayer began with the plural possessive pronominal adjective our. Further in the Prayer we
see statements like give us, lead us, and forgive us. In every sense, the model pray is
an Intercessory Prayer because you Pray for others as well as yourself.

ANALYSIS OF THE PRAYER

The following is a brief analysis of this model Intercessory Prayer:

OUR FATHER:

The words Our Father indicate nearness, but the words in Heaven imply distance.
Psalms 139 reveals, however, that God is everywhere. When we Pray to Our Father in
Heaven, it does not emphasize the distance between us and the Father, but it immediately
brings us from the natural world to a Powerful Spiritual plane. It assures us that God has at
His disposal the entire resources of the Supernatural realm with which to respond to the
requests presented in the remainder of the model Prayer. When we Pray Our Father in
Heaven, we are immediately linked through Christ with a sSpernatural God with unlimited
Supernatural resources that can be used in Intercessory Prayer.

HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME:

When we become members of God's family, our Heavenly Father's name is given to us
just as a child who is adopted in the natural world assumes the name of his new Dad. Our
Spiritual adoption gives us the right to call God Father and receive all the benefits
associated with His Name because we are now heirs of our Father's Kingdom. God's name is
not just an identification label but it is an expression of His nature and identity. When we say
Hallowed be Your Name we proclaim the Person, Power, and Authority of God. The
following list identifies the seven compound names of God and their meanings:

NAME MEANING REFERENCE

-Jehovah-tsidkenu Jehovah Our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

-Jehovah-m'kaddesh Jehovah Who Sanctifies Exodus 3l:13
-Jehovah-shalom Jehovah Is Peace Judges 6:24
-Jehovah-shammah Jehovah Is There Ezekiel 48:35
-Jehovah-rophe Jehovah Heals Exodus 15:26
-Jehovah-jireh Jehovah My Provider Genesis 22:14
-Jehovah-nissi Jehovah My Banner Exodus 17:15
-Jehovah-rohi Jehovah My Shepherd Psalms 23:1

When you Pray for others, you can use these names to intercede for God to work in their
lives. Here is an example:

I Pray for my wife, that you will be Jehovah-shalom to her. I Pray that you will be her
Jehovah-jireh, providing her every need this day. Jehovah-nissi, I Pray that your banner will
reign over her life. I Pray that as Jehovah-m'kaddesh you will sanctify her this day. (etc.)

YOUR KINGDOM COME:

In Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic the Kingdom of God refers to the kingship, sovereignty,
reign, or ruling activity of God. It is the expression of God's nature in action. God's realm of
operation can be viewed in terms of its inclusive universal organization as the Kingdom of
God; its local visible organization as the Church through which the Kingdom is extended; and
individuals of which the Kingdom is composed, that is, all true believers born into this
Kingdom. Sometime in the future the Kingdom of God will be established in visible form.
We do not know the exact timing of this (Acts 1:7), but according to the Word of God it is
certain. All the kingdoms of the world will become the property of God, the evil Kingdom
of Satan will be defeated, and our King will reign forever (Revelation 11:15).

The centrality of the Kingdom message is clear in the New Testament record. It is
mentioned some 49 times in Matthew, l6 times in Mark, and 38 times in Luke. Jesus began
His earthly Ministry by declaring the arrival of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). He ended His
earthly Ministry by speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom (Acts 1:3). In between the
beginning and ending of His earthly Ministry, the emphasis was always on the Kingdom. He
was constantly declaring He must preach its message in other places (Luke 4:43). Every
parable of Jesus related to the Kingdom and His life patterned its principles. Jesus indicated
that we, as believers, were to give similar emphasis to the Kingdom:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be
added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

This verse indicates where we should focus our Praying, Preaching, Teaching, and Living.
It should all be targeted on the Kingdom of God. If we seek first the Kingdom, it assures
the answer to the other petitions that follow in the model prayer. Praying Your Kingdom
Come is more than a Prayer for the return of Jesus and establishing of the Kingdom in its
final form. When we pray Your Kingdom Come, we are actually declaring that our Father
will reign in the lives of believers, unbelievers, and the entire earth. We are interceding that
God will be acknowledged as King and that life here on earth may be regulated by His
commands. When we say the words Your Kingdom come, we are actually asking God to
remove any thing that is in rebellion against His Kingdom, including words, attitudes,
desires, behavior, etc., in ourselves and others.

YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN:

In general, the Bible refers to the will of God in three different senses:

1) In some passages, the Will of God is another way of saying the law of God (Psalm
48:8).
2) The Will of God is also used to designate anything that God expressly desires; this may
properly be called Gods perfect Will (1 Timothy 2:4).
3) Finally, the Will of God may refer to what God permits or allow to happen. This may
properly be called Gods permissive Will. The Bibles teaching about the Will of God
expresses more than mere doctrine; it intersects with our lives as believers on an everyday
basis. We must learn what Gods Will is and we must commit ourselves to do His Will. We
are to Pray that Gods Will and purpose be fulfilled in our lives according to His eternal plan.
If this is our Prayer and commitment, then we can rest assured that our present and future are
in the protective care of our Heavenly Father. We can determine Gods Will primarily through
His revealed Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirits leading in our hearts.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD:

In the model Prayer, we seek first the Kingdom when we declare Your Kingdom come
over every circumstance in our lives. We submit in righteousness to our Heavenly Father's
will, declaring Your will be done. Now we can Pray with assurance, Give us this day our
daily bread, asking that our needs be met to enable us to fulfill His Will and extend His
Kingdom. Give us acknowledges that God is our source, not a denomination or a company
pay check. The Greek word translated daily in this model Prayer, occurs nowhere else in
the Bible. It means necessary or essential bread, sufficient for our sustenance and support.
Its use in this context confirms that the model Prayer Jesus taught is to be Prayed each day.
The Prayer is for bread, which indicates both spiritual and material sustenance. The word
us denotes that we intercede for this daily bread of provision for others as well as
ourselves.

AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS:

 We must learn to both receive and give forgiveness for personal offenses and injustices
caused to us by others. Personal offenses occur when you offend yourself and God through
your own Sin and you deal with it by asking Him to forgive you when you say, Forgive us
our debts.

The Bible declares:

If we say we that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we
confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)

When you confess your known sin, God forgives your unknown sin as well as what you
have confessed, cleansing you from all unrighteousness. The second area in which
forgiveness must be manifested is in forgiving others of direct and indirect offenses. A
direct offense occurs when you are offended by someone. Indirect offenses are when
someone hurts a friend or relative and you take up their offense. Jesus taught that we were to
deal with such misdeeds by Praying Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. The
literal rending of this verse in Greek is "as we forgave our debtors". Thus the verse could
read, Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven others. The idea is that before we ever seek
forgiveness for our sins against God, we are to have already forgiven those who have sinned
against us. Jesus taught this principle in the Parable of the unjust Servant in Matthew 18:22-
35. This story illustrates that God's forgiveness precedes human forgiveness; Human
forgiveness is a reflection of God's forgiveness; and God's forgiveness becomes real for us
only when we are willing to forgive one another. Jesus summarized these truths when He
declared:

..If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also
forgive your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven
forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25).

Satan causes offenses in your family, between friends, in your business relationships, and
in your Church. The Bible states offenses will come (Matthew 18:7). How will you deal
with these issues when they arise? Will you intercede about them in Prayer, or talk about
them through gossip?

AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE

EVIL ONE:

Jesus taught us to Pray, Do not lead us into temptation but James indicates God does not
tempt man:

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by
evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. (James 1:13)

So who is the tempter to whom Jesus is referring? The Bible clearly reveals that this is the
role of our enemy, Satan (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). The Scriptures repeatedly warn
of temptations which come from the devil (Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thess. 3:5).
The Bible explains that...
 ...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when
desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
(James 1:14-15)

Satan is the tempter, but we are drawn into his snare when we allow our fleshly desires to
entice us. Such desires birth Sin, and Sin results in death. Some of Satan's attacks arise from
uncontrolled evil passions from within, while other temptations come from without through
our senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, touching, and tasting. Whatever their source, the
Apostle Paul assures us:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful,
who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will
also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)

When we Pray, Do not lead us into temptation, we are asking God to preserve us from the
enticement to Sin. Even Jesus was not delivered from temptation, but was preserved in it
(Hebrews 4:15). The Apostle John assures us:

We know (absolutely) that any one born of God does not (deliberately and knowingly)
practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and
protects him-Christ's divine presence within him preserves him against the evil-and the
wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch (him). (I John 5:18 Amplified
Version)

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul provides detailed information about the Evil one
and the Spiritual Armor which God provides for our defense. Paul emphatically declares we
should be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might and stand boldly in the face of
these Evil forces (Ephesians 6:10,11,13). He decrees that it is possible to stand against every
wile (deceit, cunning, craftiness) of the Devil. Paul admonishes that we should war a good
warfare (I Timothy l:l8), fight an effective fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12), and battle
intelligently with purpose (I Corinthians 9:26). Paul emphasizes that the battle is not a natural
one and natural weapons are ineffective. Spiritual battles must be fought with Spiritual
Weapons:

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all to stand, Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace, Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication
for all the saints...(Ephesians 6:13-18)

The purpose of the Armor is to be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy, Satan.
Paul commands you to put on this Spiritual Armor which means it is your responsibility to
appropriate what God has provided. To put on means you take hold of something and
apply it to yourself. Here is how to do it as you intercede each day for yourself and others:
Loins girded with Truth Jesus, You are my Truth. John 14:6 Deception Breastplate of
Righteousness Jesus, You are my Righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Unrighteousness Feet
shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace Jesus, You are my readiness Philippians
4:13 Lethargy The Shield of faith Jesus, You are my faith Galatians 2:20 Unbelief, doubt
Helmet of Salvation Jesus, You are my Salvation Hebrews 5:9 Vain imaginations, Evil
thoughts Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) Jesus, You are my living Word John 1:14 Lies of
the enemy (Satan)

FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY
FOREVER:

The word for indicates the Authority by which the model Prayer has been Prayed. It
means because the Kingdom, Power, and Glory belong to God, we can claim the
provisions, promises, and protection of this Prayer. When we arrive at this final portion of the
model Prayer and declare Yours is the Kingdom, we are coming into agreement with
everything God says about His Kingdom:

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(Luke 12:32)

It is His Kingdom, but as heirs, it is our Kingdom also. It is a legacy conferred by our
Father and it pleases Him to give it to us. The word for Power is dunamis from which the
English words dynamic and dynamite come. When we end our Prayer with Yours is the
power, we are acknowledging the dynamic power of God with its dynamite-like potential for
fulfilling our petitions. When we declare, Yours is the power, God echoes back to us the
words of Jesus, I give you power over all the power of the enemy. This assures the answer
to all you have interceded for in the model Prayer. We then declare, Yours is the glory!.
Glory is one of the richest words of the English language. No single word can serve as a
good synonym, but here are some words that describe it: Honor, praise, splendor, radiance,
power, exaltation, worthiness, likeness, beauty, renown, and rank. Jesus said:

And the glory which you gave Me, I have given them that they may be one just as We are
one. (John l7:22)

The same glory with which Jesus was glorified by the Father is a gift to you. All you have
to do is claim it. You should be going from glory to glory, not from defeat to defeat. You
may be discouraged and despondent and feel cold and lifeless spiritually, but the Word of the
Lord to you today is...

Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you; rise to a
new life. Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord; for your light is come, and the glory
of the Lord is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:l-2, The Amplified Version)

God's glory guarantees:

-Provision: Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16
-Strength: Colossians 1:11
-Joy: Isaiah 66:5; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 Chronicles 16:10
-Liberty: Isaiah 60:1
-Rest: Isaiah 11:10
-Sanctification: Exodus 29:43
Unity with other believers: John 17:22
 This word means exactly what it says...forever, that is eternal, having no end. As you
conclude your Prayer, you are ascribing the Kingdom, Power and Glory to your
Father...forever. You are linking yourself in an eternal bond with your Father because you are
acknowledging that you share in His Kingdom, Power, and Glory.

AMEN:

When we use the word Amen, it seals our Prayer with Powerful Authority because
Amen is one of the names of Christ (Revelation 3:14). Christ is called the Amen of God,
for all of God's promises are fulfilled in Him. When we say Amen, it means we have
Prayed all our petitions in the name of Jesus. The word Amen does not mean over and
out...I'm done praying! The meaning of this word is, Even so, as I have prayed it, even so
shall it be done, so when you say Amen, you are actually making a declaration of Faith.

CHAPTER SEVEN

INTERCEDING FOR REVIVAL

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

Define Revival.
Explain how we can prepare for Revival.
Recognize when Revival is needed.
Identify evidences of a backslidden condition.
Summarize Biblical principles of Revival.
Identify obstacles to Revival.
-Explain how to use God's Revival plan to intercede for revival.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important tasks of Intercession is Praying for Revival. In this chapter you
will learn the definition of Revival, how to prepare for it, and how to recognize when it is
needed. You will also learn how to identify obstacles that hinder Revival and how to
intercede for it.

THE DEFINITION OF REVIVAL

First, let us examine what Revival is not. Revival is not just emotionalism. People
respond emotionally to Revival, but emotions are just a part of the Revival, they are not the
Revival. True Revival will affect the whole man, however, including his emotions.
Knowledge of facts never moves men. Statistics on the number of deaths caused by alcoholic
beverage never converts a drunkard. Figures on the increase of crime do not change
criminals. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit must touch a man both Spiritually and
emotionally to effect change.
 Revival is not loud music and hell-fire preaching. It is not a campaign for new members
to increase attendance. Church growth is a result of Revival, but it is not the same as revival.
Revival is not evangelism. Evangelism is proclaiming the good news of the Gospel. Revival
precedes evangelism, for when dead believers are revived, evangelism results. Finally,
revival is not just a series of special meetings...unless those special meetings are touched by
the Sovereign move of God.

Revival is...

A sovereign, extraordinary work of God through and in behalf of a people who have
learned and applied the principles revealed in the Rhemah Word of God regarding revival.
Revival is Sovereign, in that it cannot be produced by man. It is extraordinary, because it is a
special work of God. A Revival works within a group of people and in behalf of them. In
order to prepare for revival, we must apply the principles revealed in God's Word regarding
Revival. Everything the Bible teaches about Revival is the rhemah or specific word of
God on the subject. We may also say that Revival is:

An awakening, revitalizing, restoring of God's people, a strengthening of those things which

remain.
A return to consciousness or life. That which is revived becomes active and flourishing
again.
The inrush of the Spirit into the body that has threatened to become a corpse.
Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:l9)

PREPARING FOR REVIVAL

We can compare preparation for Revival to the task of farming. A farmer can sit around
and Pray for a good harvest, but if he does not prepare the field, plant the seed, and water the
crop, it will not come. Equally foolish is the farmer who thinks because he does his part in
these tasks that harvest is assured. It takes the Sovereignty of God through rain, sunshine, and
the proper weather patterns to bring the crop to maturity. The farmer works in cooperation
with the principles of sowing and reaping, seed time and harvest revealed in God's Word. God
is still Sovereign, for the rain, sun, and proper weather patterns must come from Him. The
same analogy may be used for Revival. It is a sovereign move of God, but to reap Revival,
we must prepare for it by following the principles revealed in God's Word. Revival is the joint
move of the spirit of God and the response of the people of God.

HEN REVIVAL IS NEEDED

Revival is always needed of course, but it is most necessary when a backslidden condition
is apparent. To understand backsliding, consider the example of Israel Jeremiah called the
problems of Israel backsliding (Jeremiah l:3-4). The Bible says:

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways. (Proverbs l4:l4)

Turn to Jeremiah chapter 2. You will note that Israel had...

Determined God was not as important to them as He had formerly been (I used to....): 2:5
Forgot the great things God had done for them in former days: 2:6-7
Even the religious leaders of Israel had joined the backsliding hosts. The priests failed to
ask, Where is the Lord?: 2:8
With God crowded out of their lives, they turned to others things...in this case, idols: 2:11-
12; 27-28
They forsook the true source of spiritual water and began to carve out cisterns that could
hold no water. They exchanged living water for stagnant water: 2:13
They began to drift spiritually: 2:19
They entered into a self-righteous condition: 2:22-23
They justified themselves with excuses: 3:11
They drew others into their corruption: 2:33-34

Backsliding is the sin of crowding God out and filling one's life with self. It is described as a
pig going back to the mire and a dog returning to its vomit. (II Peter 2:2l-22)

EVIDENCES OF A BACKSLIDDEN CONDITION

Here are some evidences of a backslidden condition. Examine your own heart and life as you
study this list. You are entering into a backslidden condition...

1. When Prayer ceases to be a vital part of your life. It has been said that Revival delays
because prayer decays.
2. When the quest for Biblical truth ceases and you become content with the knowledge you
have already acquired. This is not to say backsliders do not read the Bible. Many of them
have habits of dutiful devotions, but while they read the words the knowledge acquired is
treated as facts and not applied to their lives.
3. When thoughts about eternal things cease to be regular and/or important.
4. When you pardon your Sin with self-righteousness by saying the Lord knows I am just
dust or that is the way I am.
5. When pointed Spiritual discussions are an embarrassment and make you uncomfortable.
6. When things like recreation, sports, and entertainment become first in your life.
7. When you can indulge in sin without protest by your conscience.
8. When aspirations of Christ-like Holiness are no longer dominant in your life.
9. When the acquisition of money and goods becomes dominant in your thinking.
10. When you can hear the Lord's name taken in vain, spiritual concerns mocked, and eternal
issues flippantly treated and not be moved to indignation and action.
11. When worship becomes a weariness. Church services lose their excitement, you can
mouth religious songs and words without heart, there is no song in your heart, no praise with
the ring of joy.
12. When breaches of unity in the fellowship are of no concern to you.
13. When the slightest excuse seems sufficient to keep you from Christian service.
14. When your fleshly senses are out of control: You watch degrading movies and television,
listen to ungodly music, and read morally debilitating literature.
15. When you adjust happily to the world's lifestyle: For examples, unpaid debts, bankruptcy,
lying, dishonesty, unkept appointments and promises, immodest styles of dress, cheating your
employer of a full day's work, etc.
16. When your lack of spiritual power no longer concerns you; there is no restless yearning
for more of God and His Power in your life.
17. When your church has fallen into spiritual decline, the Word of God is no longer
preached with Power in your Church and yet you are content.
18. When the moral, political spiritual, and economic condition of the world and your nation
is of no concern to you.
19. When your heart is hard: Your tears do not flow easily, you are uncaring, abrupt, etc. You
do not weep over the things which Jesus wept like a lost city, the spiritual condition of man,
the sorrows of others.
20. When you have lost your Spiritual strength, and do not even realize it.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF REVIVAL

Old Testament revivals yield Biblical principles that guide us in praying for revival. No two
revivals are identical, but the following principles are evident in the Old Testament record:

1. Most Old Testament revivals were preceded by a time of deep Spiritual decline and
despair. When conditions are declining around you and you are tempted to despair, rejoice
instead...You may be on the brink of revival!
2. Each Revival began in the heart of one man, who became the instrument God used to stir
others. As God touches your heart with the fire of Revival, you will fan the revival flame in
others. This is the true work of a mobilizer.
3. Every Old Testament revival rested on the powerful proclamation of the Word of God. The
message of Revival should focus on sin, Hell, and God's judgment not just Power, Love,
Peace, and Prosperity. Consider the Revival message of Moses (Deuteronomy 11:26-28);
Samuel (I Samuel 7:3); Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:7-8); and Elijah (I Kings 18:21).
4. Repenting from Sin always preceded Revival: Repentance included the destruction of
every idol and separation from the world. 5. There was a return to proper priorities including
concern for others, keeping the Sabbath, giving, Prayer, and the Word of God.
6. There was a return to the genuine Worship of God. This Worship was not cold and formal
ritual, but an exciting, emotional response of the people to their Lord.
7. Every Revival was followed by a time of productivity, prosperity, great joy, and gladness.

OBSTACLES TO REVIVAL

Here are some things that prevent the Sovereign move of God in a Church:

LEADERSHIP HINDRANCES:

Leaders who do not preach and teach the Word of God in Power hinder Rrevival. Those
who have no Prayer life, no Bible study program, no demonstration of Power, and no passion
for delivery of the Word hinder Revival. Those who control their congregations and quench
the Spirit of God also hinder His Sovereign move. Leaders who do not really care for the
sheep hinder Revival. They do not lead the flock into the green pastures and the still waters
necessary to revive them. Leaders who have lost their compassion for a dying world hinder
Revival. Many do not recognize their responsibility to be the leaders in Revival. These are
listed in Joel 2:15-18:

CONGREGATIONAL HINDRANCES:

There can also be obstacles to Revival in the Congregation of God's people. A

Congregation's love of tradition interferes with Revival. Revival and change are synonymous.
God is orderly and dependable, but He is also fresh and vital. He is not a traditionalist. If the
Church must run according to traditions of men, it will run without the Power and presence of
God. A Congregation's love of formal order hinders Revival. Michial, David's wife,
condemned him because of his emotional Worship and was struck barren.

A barren Church loves formal order and ritual. Love of brevity also hinders Rrevival. We
want God to send Revival in the two hours we designate to Him on Sunday morning. Many
Congregations love comfortable truth. They do not want to be confronted with the claims of
Christ upon them or preaching about Sin and Judgment. The truths necessary for Revival are
not always comfortable. Love of respect by others also hinders Revival. Some Congregations
are more concerned about what people will think than about what God thinks.

GENERAL HINDRANCES:

There are other hindrances which may be found in both leadership and the Congregation.
Iniquity hinders Revival, whether it be found in the man in the pew or the pulpit:

Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it
cannot hear (our pleas for revival)... But your iniquities have separated between you and
your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:l-2)
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall
have mercy. (Proverbs 28:l3)

An attitude of resignation that these are the last days and we can only expect things to
get worse and worse will hinder Revival. Inattention to Prayer and the Word, refusal to
humble self, and refusing to seek the Lord all hinder Revival. Limiting God hinders His
Sovereign move in our midst:

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 78:4l)
And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew l3:58)

Indifference prevents revival. People become indifferent to the claims of Christ and to the
needs of others. Insensitivity to our Spiritual condition and to the moving of God's Spirit also
hinders revival.

GOD'S REVIVAL PLAN

Each of the hindrances we have discussed can be eliminated through Intercession because
revival comes in response to prayer. Here is how to Pray for Revival:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek
my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:l4)

Many important principles of Revival are contained in this verse. First, note that God is
speaking to His people If my people". He is not talking to sinners, the world, or just anyone
in general. God is talking to His people who are called by His name. Here is what God's
people must do if they are to experience Revival:

1. HUMBLE THEMSELVES:
To humble yourself is to bring yourself low before God (study Leviticus 26:40-4l). This
humbling includes humbling yourself before God (II Chronicles 34:l-l3); His Word (II
Chronicles 34:l4-28); and His people (II Chronicles 34:29-33).

2. PRAY:

You are to Pray specific prayers of (l) seeking God and (2) turning from your wicked ways.
We often have not because we ask not or we ask amiss. We should ask God to revive us
and pray specific Prayers of confession and repentance to prepare our hearts for the move of
His Spirit.

3. SEEK MY FACE:

The phrase seeking God is used in the following Old Testament passages:

Exodus 33:7; Deuteronomy 4:29; Ezra 8:22; II Samuel l2:l6; 2l:l; I Chronicles l6:l0-ll; II
Chronicles 7:l4; ll:l6; l5:4; 20:4;Psalms l05:3-4; 24:6; 27:8; 40:l7; 69:7; 70:5; Proverbs 28:5;
Isaiah 5l:l; Jeremiah 29:l3; 50:4; Hosea 3:5; 5:6-7,l5; 7:l0; Daniel 9:3; Zephaniah l:6;
Zechariah 8:2l; Malachi 3:l.

A review of these passages reveal that seeking the Lord involves:

1. Voluntarily and wholeheartedly turning to God.

2. An inner attitude of commitment to serve Him.
3. A decision to turn away from all Evil.
4. A decision to fulfill His Will.
5. A commitment to fervent Prayer.

Seeking the Lord is the chief means of averting evil (Amos 5:4,14). It is the evidence of
true humility (Zephaniah 2:3). It is the basis for sensing the presence of God (Hosea 5:l5). It
brings life (Amos 5:4-6) and it must be done wholeheartedly. (Jeremiah 29:l2-l3)

4. TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS:

Prayer and seeking God are not enough in themselves. They must be accompanied by true
Repentance which is a change in direction. You must turn from your wicked ways towards
God. Repentance is the truth emphasized in all Biblical Revivals. It is evident in every Old
Testament revival. The Church began with calls to Repentance (Acts 2). The final call in the
book of Revelation is to Repentance (Revelation 22:l6). Repentance is a gift from God that
enables you to change the direction of your life (Acts 5:29-3l; ll:l5-l8; II Timothy 2:22-26).
All men are commanded to Repent (Acts l7:30). It is God's Will that all repent (II Peter 3:9)
and God works graciously to draw men to Repentance (Romans 2:4). Without Repentance
you will perish (Luke l3:3,5).

Jesus commanded that Repentance and Remission of Sins be preached in His name among
all Nations (Luke 24:47). Repentance includes turning from Sins of omission (things you do
not do that you should); commission (wrong things you do); and presumption (presuming by
not seeking counsel from God and sinning in the process). Repentance also includes turning
from dead works (Hebrews 6:1- 3). Dead works are any religious acts done to gain
merit with God by human effort. Dead works can even include Worship, Tithing, and Deeds
of Kindness.

Worship must be in Spirit and Truth or it is a dead work. Giving out of constraint,
emotionalism, or because you are embarrassed to have the offering plate pass in front of you
is a dead work. Deeds of Kindness or Ministry done out of obligation or to receive glory are
also dead works. Any work which has no capacity to be made alive by the Spirit of God is a
dead work. For example, sharing the Gospel at all times and places to all men without regard
to the prompting of the Spirit of God may be casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6) and
reproving a scorner in vain (Proverbs 9:7-8). Any work which is done in the energy of the
flesh and not in the Power of the Holy Spirit is a dead work. You should constantly examine
your spiritual condition, your motives, and methods of ministry and repent of acts of
omission, commission, presumption, and dead works.

SUMMARY:

Here is what you must do to prepare for Revival:

Humble yourself
-Pray
-Seek God's face
-Turn from your wicked ways

Here is what God will do in response:

-HEAR from Heaven: Respond

-FORGIVE their Sin: Reconcile
HEAL their Land: Restore

CHAPTER EIGHT

GETTING STARTED AND KEEPING GOING

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

Make a plan for organized Prayer.

Create a personal Prayer guide .
Engage in International Intercession.
Identify problems in getting started and keeping going.
Transform Intercession from discipline to delight.
Commit yourself to the Ministry of Intercession.

INTRODUCTION
 During our study of Intercessory Prayer we have learned what it is, the Spiritual resources
provided to enable us to do it and specifically how to do this type of Praying. We have also
considered the model Intercessor, the Lord Jesus Christ, and learned to identify and deal with
hindrances to effective Praying. This final chapter provides suggestions on how to get started
and keep going in this Ministry of Intercessory Prayer.

ORGANIZING FOR PRAYER

If you want to be an effective Intercessor then you have time to Pray. One way to do this is to
plan for regular Prayer times individually and with others. The New Testament reveals the
following structure for organizing Prayer forces:

PERSONAL PRAYER:

Prayer is to be made on an individual basis in private:

But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your
Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
openly. Matthew 6:6

Set aside a special time each day for Prayer, preferably early in the morning before you
begin your day. If you are not a morning person, then select another time that is more
suitable. This is the time when you will perform your Priestly Ministry of standing before
God with praise and worship and between God and man with petitions and intercession.
Before you begin to intercede have a time of personal repentance and ask God to cleanse you
from all Sin. Repentance is foundational to effective intercession.

TWO PRAYING TOGETHER:

Two Praying together is the smallest unit of corporate Prayer. Its Biblical structure as well as
its inherent Power is revealed in the following Scripture:

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it
will be done for them by My Father in heaven. (Matthew l8:l9)

Find a friend who wants to be an Intercessor and begin to Pray regularly together. If you are
married you might want to choose your mate. If you have someone praying with you they can
help you keep going when you get discouraged.

SMALL GROUPS:

Small groups (sometimes called prayer cells) consist of more than two individuals joining
together in Intercession. There is great power when two or three people join together for this
purpose:

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of
them. (Matthew l8:20)

You might want to meet weekly for prayer with a small group of friends, co-workers or
relatives.
TOTAL CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER:

The entire Church should also join together in times of corporate Intercession:

These all continued with one accord and prayer and supplication... Acts l:l4

Acts 12:5 reveals that constant Intercession was made by the Church for Peter when He was
in prison. If you are a Pastor it is your responsibility to plan such times of corporate Prayer.

CREATING A PERSONAL PRAYER MANUAL

It is helpful to create a personal Prayer Guide to direct your Intercession. Use a notebook
with dividers for different sections. You might include sections for:

Study notes on Intercession and Fasting.

Your city, state, and nation: Obtain maps of your city, state, and nation to Pray over them.
Obtain lists of political and religious officials and Pray over them by name.

Personal Intercession:

-List personal Prayer needs for your family, friends and others and intercede for these each
day. Record Pprayers that are answered to encourage yourself in the Ministry of Intercession.
Your Church: Obtain an organizational chart for your Church or a list of the names of the
leaders and Pray for them each day. Pray for each member of your Church by name.
Your Ministry: Intercede for your own personal Ministry. If you teach a Bible class, Pray for
your students. If you Pastor Pray for each person in your Congregation by name. If you are a
parent Pray for your children (who are part of your Ministry). If you are a Missionary or
Evangelist Pray for open doors for the Gospel, for your converts, disciples, and coworkers.
International Intercession: Set aside a section for Intercession for the Nations of the World
and the extension of the Kingdom of God.

INTERNATIONAL INTERCESSION

Here is a special guide to International Intercession that may be used invidiously, in small
groups or by the entire Church fellowship:

Praise To God: (10 minutes)

We enter God's presence by thanksgiving and praise: Psalms l00:4

Intercession For The World In General: (l0 minutes)

Before you begin to intercede, Pray a Prayer of personal Repentance. Then Pray for the
World in general for:

A new Spiritual hunger throughout the world.

God to raise up a Worldwide force of International Intercessors.
The growth and development of the Church all over the World.
God to raise up laborers for the harvest.
-Unity and cooperation among existing Churches and Missions.
-A Revival of zeal and compassion to win the lost.
-Wise use of material resources by believers to spread the Gospel. Ask God to provide the
necessary finances and to raise up those willing and capable of funding evangelistic efforts.
Open doors of utterance to share the Gospel (Ephesians 6:l9)
Closed Countries to open to the Gospel (II Thessalonians 3:l).
Receptivity in those who hear the Gospel (Romans l5:30-3l).
-Major world issues affecting the spread of the Gospel.
For the hearts of government and political leaders to be receptive to the work of missions
and evangelism.
Laborers planting new Churches and Missions.
Believers who are imprisoned or suffering because of their commitment to Christ or because
of their Ministry.
The work of Bible translators throughout the world.
Christian correspondence courses, training institutes and Bible colleges throughout the
world.
National Christian workers.
The cross-cultural Missionary force.
A move of God among the young people. They are the future leaders of the Church.
Revelation of the right strategy to reach each nation and village of the world. Ask God to
reveal it to those laboring in these regions. Pray for organizations engaged in Mission
research and strategy.
Protection for laborers from the attacks of Satan. Bind the activities of Satan coming against
believers and nations. Pray for deliverance from those who oppose the Gospel (Romans
15:30-31; II Thessalonians 3:2).
The Biblical world view to be spread among believers and that they will become
participators instead of spectators of God's plan.
Those who work in secular occupations in various nations in order to spread the Gospel.
Believers in armed forces stationed in various regions of the world. They can be an effective
force in spreading the Gospel.
The work of religious media such as Gospel recordings, films, cassette tapes, Christian radio
and television.
-The work of medical, relief, and social missions that combine medical and physical
assistance with the spreading of the Gospel. Missionary aviation organizations and their
dedicated pilots who fly missionaries and supplies to various regions of the World.
The work among immigrants and refugees of the World.
The binding of Spiritual Powers of Satan that are influencing nations and regions. That such
Powers exist is illustrated by the Prince that had Power over Persia in the time of Daniel.
-These Powers explain why some Nations are more receptive to the Gospel than others.
Certain Spirits are active in various regions. Until they are bound these regions will not be
receptive to the Gospel.

Intercession For One Area Of The World: (l0 minutes)

Use a world map as you pray for the Nations. Here are some specific things to Pray about for
each Nation:
Current events. You can keep aware of specific prayer needs by observing current news
events in the Nation or by keeping in contact with Christian workers there.
The Churches of the nation.
Those laboring in the Spiritual harvest fields of this nation: Those planting Churches,
national workers, training institutes, Missionaries, Bible translators, etc.
All believers in this nation.Unreached peoples of theNnation.
Binding the Powers of Satan operating in this nation; those forces which would come
against the spread of the Gospel or close the Nation to evangelism efforts.
In every society there are basically seven areas which shape the thinking of individuals and
the destiny of the Nation. These are the home and family, the Church, education, arts and
entertainment, media, government and business. Intercede for each of these areas.

Intercession For A Specific Missionary Or Mission Agency: (10 minutes)

By keeping in touch with the missionary or agency you will be aware of specific needs for
which to Pray. Have your name put on the list to receive their newsletter or Prayer bulletin.

Pray For One Unreached People Group: (10 minutes)

The five major unreached people groups are Buddhists, Hindus, tribal peoples, Muslims, and
Chinese.

Pray for spiritual hunger among these groups.

Pray for laborers to share the Gospel with them.
Pray for revelation of the proper strategy to reach each individual group.
Pray for those already attempting to reach these people.

Personal Prayer Needs: (l0 minutes)

Consider your own personal needs in relation to the World. How do your personal needs
relate to God's global purpose and your part in it? Even your most personal concerns should
somehow relate to God's plan for the Nations. Seek God for ways you can fulfill your part of
the commission to reach the Nations of the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom. How can
you better equip yourself to do this? How can you begin right now? How can you free more
of your personal time and finances for the cause of World missions?

PROBLEMS THAT MUST BE OVERCOME

Everyone who has ever prayed effectively faced problems that had to be overcome.
Conquering these challenges is part of intercession:

To strive in prayer means to struggle through those hindrances which would restrain or
even prevent us entirely from continuing in persevering prayer. It means to be so watchful at
all times that we can notice when we become slothful in prayer and that we go to the Spirit of
prayer to have this remedied. Dr. O. Hallesby

Take each problem you face to God who through the Spirit of Prayer (the Holy Spirit)
will help you remedy it. Here are some common problems you might face:
LACK OF TIME:

We always find time for what we really want to do. Lack of time is not an excuse. The
busier you are the more you need to intercede. Set a time for Prayer and do not let anything
intrude in that time. Do not base the time you spend in Prayer on what others may spend
because you may need more or less time depending on the subject matter of your prayer.
Intercession does not have to be lengthy to be effective. Consider the effectiveness of the
Prayer of the thief on the cross Remember me when you come into your Kingdom or the
publican's earnest appeal Lord be merciful to me a sinner in contrast to the Pharisee's long,
self-righteous Prayer.

DISTRACTIONS:

Try to minimize interruptions during Intercession. Leave instructions with your mate,
secretary or a friend that you are not to be disturbed during this time. If you have a telephone
let someone take messages, disconnect it, or use an answering machine. Do not Pray where a
radio or television set is in use. Soft Christian music in the background sometimes covers
other distracting noises like nearby traffic or conversation by others.

TIREDNESS:

If you grow weary or sleepy during prayer time, try walking while you Pray or Praying out
loud.

LACK OF DESIRE:

Desire for the Ministry of Intercession can be systematically developed. It starts the
discipline of doing it regularly whether you feel like it or not. Our entire Christian
experience is based on Faith, not feeling. When you begin to see the results of Intercession in
your own life and in the lives of others for whom you are interceding, your prayer time will
be transformed from discipline to delight.

For who is it who gives you the desire? God, of course. Does He give it you in order that it
may stay unfulfilled? That is impossible. He implants within you a desire for something with
the intention of giving you that very thing; He will infallibly give it you if you ask for it in the
right way...and He assists you to make the petition. Jean-Nicholas Grou

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

We have come to the end of our Study on Intercession. In reality, however, it is not an end
but a beginning. You have just received the most Powerful Spiritual Resource available to the
Body of Christ...that of Intercession. Through Intercession, you can go Spiritually anywhere
in the World. Your Prayers can penetrate unreached Nations and cross through geographical,
cultural and political barriers. You can affect the destiny of individuals and entire Nations.
You can actually help save lives and souls of men and women, boys and girls. You have
joined in an intimate partnership with God through Intercession. You canPpray with
confidence knowing that:

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass;
and as I have purposed so shall it stand. (Isaiah l5:24)
This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is
stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed and who shall
disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (Isaiah l5:26-27)

The Lord of Hosts has a purpose, and no force of the world, flesh, Demons, Hell, or Satan
himself will impede it. You are now part of that divine purpose through the Ministry of
Intercession.