Some believers have a mental picture when the word Intercessor or intercession is being spoken. They think that the intercessors are a special breed of Christian who are specially selected by God to conduct spiritual warfare. Much like the commando in the army or the Seal Special Forces who sent behind the enemy lines to conduct special missions. Therefore, we automatically exclude ourselves because we feel that we are up to task to become an intercessor.
A) This morning I wish to debunk 5 myths of becoming an Intercessor.
Myth #1 – Intercession is only for those who have been a Christian for a long time (more than 2 yrs, 5 yrs or more.)
#1 - You can be a new believer and start praying for your family members to be saved. You are an intercessor.
Myth #2 – Intercession is only for those who can pray very well, and they can fast and pray for many days.
#2 – How long or how short the period is criteria to determine whether you are an intercessor or not.
Myth #3 – Intercession is only for those who have a special access to God.
Myth #4 – Intercession is only for those who are very knowledgeable and have in depth biblical knowledge. Like Cell Leaders, even in full time pastoral ministry.
Myth #5 – Intercession is only for those who are special calling from God to be Prayer Warriors.
For #3, #4 and #5 – Jesus teaches that every one of us have direct access to the Father through. He says that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and we can come to the Father through Him. So, when we pray, we are praying using His name. All of us are called to pray to God.
I can tell you that all of the above are not true. This is because INTERCESSION means to pray on behalf of another person.
The Webster Dictionary’s meaning of INTERCESSION: prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another.
You may be praying for your son, daughter, relative friend, colleague or even someone whom you have not met before. You are already an intercessor.
In Luke 11:5-8, we can see a picture of a person interceding for his friend
Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
We are like the person who is going to Jesus to ask the Lord to help our friend, relative or loved ones. This is a picture of intercession.
B) I wish to encourage you to be an intercessor.
We all should be an intercessor because have the privilege of calling on the name of Jesus. You see, for those who are strangers to the grace of God, they do not even know how to call upon the name of Jesus. Hence, we must pray on their behalf.
The Holy Spirit gives you the burden to pray for the salvation of the family members, neighbor or colleague.
The Holy Spirit remind you of someone who is suffering. Hence, let us start to pray for others today.
C) What do we pray for when we intercede?
- We pray for the salvation of our family, friends and neighbors. We pray for their needs, their struggle, their period of ups and down. The Bible tells us to rejoice when they are rejoicing and weep with those who are suffering.
- We pray for the cell group, the cell leaders and all those who are serving in the church.
- We pray for advance of the Kingdom of God both locally and overseas.
- How can we become more effective intercessors?
The key is to partner with other intercessors to pray. Here are two suggestions:
#1 - Be regular at attending the Upperlight meetings to pray with other intercessors
#2 - gather in 2 or 3 to pray together with the other lighters or your cell members.
D) Even as we are interceding for others, we are encouraged that Jesus is interceding for us.
The Bible tells us clearly that Jesus is our intercessor and He is always praying for us to our Father God.
Heb 7:22-25 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
The following is the lyric of an old song that describe how Jesus is interceding for us. May this song also encourage us to intercede for others.
Song: And He’s Ever Interceding:
Someone to go the extra mile, Just like a mother caring for her child;
A friend who sticks through thick or thin, No matter what you've done or where you've been;
Just like one great big family, A stronger, older brother He will be;
So quick and ready to defend , The younger, weaker to the end.
Chorus:
And He's ever interceding, to the Father for His children;
Yes, He's ever interceding, to the Father for His own;
Through Him you can reach the Father, So, bring Him all your heavy burdens;
Yes, for you He's interceding, So, come boldly to the throne.
