Isaiah 66:2b But on one will I look on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Isaiah 57:15a For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in a high and holy place with him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Luke 1:70 As He spoke by the mouth of His Holy prophets
A. Intercession Stirs the Heart Of God
1. Always allow yourself to be the first solution to your prayers.
Hebrews 5:7 who, when in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with vehement [deeply felt with passion] cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (v8) though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (v9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
Isaiah 53:12 ----Because He poured out His soul unto death , He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sins of many, And He made intercession for the transgressors.
Though Jesus had never sinned 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus said, in essence,” Their sin is my sin!”
Hebrews 7:27----for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. He offered Himself as the solution for our sin. See also Hebrews 10:7 & Romans 12:1-2
We emphasize His victory over sin but His life was a sacrifice as well, see Hebrews 4:15. It prepared Him for the greater sacrifice. See Hebrews 5:8-9
B. Principles of Intercession – 12 Steps
1. Intercession is your opportunity to romance the Father.
2. Pray for others with attentive concern.
Jesus passionately identified with our need when He prayed, He prayed as though it was His need. (Heb 4:15)
3. Pray with your prayer language.
When we pray in the Spirit. He is passionately identifying with our feelings. (Rom 8:26)
4. When addressing the Father in prayer, pray fervently.
Passion stirs the heart of God. Five times in the first five chapters of the Book of Acts as the church is assembled in prayer The Father was stirred as they addressed Him in one accord.
a. In Acts 2:1 & 4:24 - The heavens are open, the Father rains His Glory upon them.
b. In Acts 1:14 & 2:46 - The Father bestowed special grace upon them
c. In Acts 5:12 - Jesus performed great miracles through the apostles. The NT Grk SC# 3661 word for one accord is “homothuadon” the words literal interpretation means to be fused together by a heated passion.
5. When the Church in reverent passion address their petitions in the name of Jesus, Jesus Himself asks the Father with us in agreement for our requests. (John 16:26)
6. Passion and compassion for the kingdom is part of our experience with the Father. The word [enthusiasm] literally means ‘in God’. The word [inspiration] literally means ‘in the Spirit’.
7. Always address coming to the Father reverently in name of Jesus.
It stirs such memories in the heart of the Father concerning His personal sacrifice for you.
8. In coming before the Father in prayer remember that the sin of the individual is not an obstacle to Him.
You are helping them be reconciled to the Father.
9. You are literally igniting heaven into rejoicing. (Luke 15:10).
The Father so loves the one you are about to pray for.
10. Humbly deal with obstacles that resist the Spirit of God in your life.
When Jesus prayed, He dealt with any sense of anger or unforgiveness: (Luke 23:34 Matt 6:12 & 23:13-36) Even righteous anger left to fester, will turn into a religious spirit or self-righteous spirit. Another tool satan uses to keep us bound and separated from one another. A religious spirit says, I have it all. It is offensive to others who are truly believers because it excludes them from ones fellowship.
11. Come ready to lay down your differences as a sacrificial offering as Jesus laid down His life for us.
12. Celebrate in worship the Father’s gift of forgiveness with gratefulness and thanksgiving.
When you forgive, you are agreeing with the celebration of His gift of forgiveness. It stirs the very heart-strings of the Father. The Father is stirred to greater acts of mercy. (Ephesians 3:14-19, Romans 8:32)
C. The Heart of an Intercessor
1. Willing to pay the price of the Anointing. (Matt 26:36-44)
Ezekiel 13:5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel, to stand in battle on the day of the Lord.
2. Willing to die to your own imaginations, desires, and burdens for what you feel you should pray.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
3. To compel others to come to obedience to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 24:19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.
4. The Gift is to empower the saints, not control them.
(Eph 4:12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,
5. The Gift is given to encourage the Body, not beat it up.
The shepherd feeds and leads the sheep, the butcher drives the sheep.
(Eph 4:12) for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Acts 15:32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
6. The Gift is given to create the atmosphere conducive for the Holy Spirit to do His work, not hinder His work.
(Eph 4:13) till we all come to the unity of the faith
7. The Gift is given to mentor and teach the Body of Christ to reach their full potential in Christ. That the world may also come to know Him.
(Eph 4:3) and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..
D. The Intercessor’s Attitude
1. Be found a faithful steward in whatever God has called you.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, (v2) Moreover it is required in stewards that one first be found faithful.
1Peter 5:6 Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
2. Intercessors must be accountable and submissive to those who cover them
Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of your conduct..
Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account, Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
3. Intercessor’s must always be submissive to godly counsel.
If you seek counsel, search out only those who fear God. Or you will be led astray.
Ephesians 5:21 submitting one to another in the fear of God.
Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof.
4. Don’t cheat yourself by becoming spoiled by your own vain conceit
Romans 12:16b Do not be wise in your own conceit. [a legend in your own mind]
5. Never speak out of retaliation, bitterness or wrath
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
6. Maintain the spirit of unity, and the unity of the Spirit.
Our human spirit bond together in agreement with His Holy Spirit
Ephesians4:3 but always endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2 Timothy 2:23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmuring and disputing, (v15) that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as a light to the world.
7. Jesus must always have preeminence
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.
8. You must always abide in Him
Colossians 2:6 ‘As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.
John 15:5-6 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. (v6) If a man abide not in me , he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
1 John 2:24 If what you heard from the beginning abide in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
E. The Intercessor's Code of Conduct
Definitions:
Code: The customs, regulations or Rules of Mutual Respect, dealing with diplomatic procedure, formality, precedence or etiquette. A treaty, document, agreement, compact, charter, pledge, pact, or covenant of mutual respect.
Mutual Respect: etiquette, priority, decorum, politeness, manners, customs, good form, formalities, courtesies, correctness, savior faire, proper protocol.
1Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men
1Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let
him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
1. Do all things in meekness of wisdom.
James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in meekness of wisdom (v14) But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. (v15) This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. (v16) For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
2. Be an example to all Believers.
1 Timothy 4:12b be an example to all believers in word and conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,
3. Be a Servant
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man consider us, as servants of Christ , and stewards of the mysteries of God, (v2) Moreover it is required in stewards that one first be found faithful.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account, Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
4. Submit to others
Ephesians 5:21 submitting one to another in the fear of God.
5. Submit your mind and imagination to be used by God
a. Admit to God that His thoughts are much higher than your thoughts.
b. Lay down any preconceived ideas of how you thought the prayer time should go.
c. Be willing to lay down prayer requests that you felt were important if the Lord has other plans for the session.
2 Cor. 10: 3 - 5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
6. Be Humble
Romans 12:16b Do not be wise in your own conceit. [a legend in your own mind]
7. Strive for Unity
Ephesians 4:3 but always endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
8. Be Holy
a. Ask the Lord to search your heart for any unconfessed sin that would hinder you from hearing from Him. This can be done in silence. Don't dwell too long at this point if nothing comes to your heart immediately.
Psalms 66:18 (NIV) If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmuring and disputing, (v15) that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as a light to the world.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.
9. Pray and not judge.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts; and then each one’s praise will come from God.
10. Speak Truth in Love
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (v18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace in peace by those who make peace.
Ephesians 4:14-16 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and for carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive. (v15) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ. (v16) from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth in the body for the edifying of itself in love.
11. Prepare through Prayer
Jeremiah 23:18 For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, and has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it?
12. Become skilled in Prayer
1 Peter 4:11b If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth.
13. Keep Your Prayer in the context of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by in inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (v17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,
2 Peter1 19-21 We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our heart; (v20) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, (v21) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy3:15a and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which is able to make you wise.
14. Contend for the Faith
Jude v3 Beloved while I was very diligent to write to you concerning the common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints..
15. Impart and establish others to their calling
Romans 1:11-12a For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- (v12) that is, that I may be encouraged together with you-
Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for the necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (v30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
16. Avoid foolish questions that raise confusion, and cause others to stumble.
2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do generate strife.
James 3:1-2 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive a sticker judgment. (v2) For we all stumble [others] in many things, If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words of no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
1 Timothy 6:20b-21 avoiding the profane [bad, objectionable, questionable or controversial language] and vain babbling [endless roads of talk that go nowhere] and contradictions [science or philosophies devised by man that falsely lead one to believe that the obvious answer to man’s problems can be manipulated by man intellect and not by the Word of God]. of what is falsely called knowledge--- (v21) by professing it, some have strayed concerning the faith.
17. You are a gift to the Church. (Ephesians 4:12-13)
a. To empower the Saints, not to bring them into bondage.
Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,
b. To Encourage The Body, not beat it up.
[The one who leads the sheep is the shepherd, the one who drives the sheep is the butcher]
(v12) for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Acts 15:32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
c. To Create the Atmosphere conducive for the Holy Spirit to do His work, never to disallow it. (v13) till we all come to the unity of the faith
d. To Mentor, teaching the Body of Christ to reach their full potential.
(v13) and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
18. Be an example through the gift
1 Timothy 4:12b be an example to all believers in word and conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,
Ephesians 4:1 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.
Ephesians 4:7 But in each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift..
1 Peter 4:11b If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
19. Be willing to receive correction
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
20. Do not neglect your gift
1 Timothy 4:14-15 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was imparted unto to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership, (v15) mediate on these things: give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
2 Timothy1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands.
21. Use your gift Daily
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the great difficulties which crossed our way in Asia; tremendous opposition, so that we were burdened beyond our abilities, drained of strength, barely holding on to life. (v9) Yes, we ourselves were close to death, that we could only trust in God who raises those from the dead. (v10) who delivered us from death and presently deliver us, in whom our faith depends that He will continue to deliver us. (v11) And you together with us in this labor, we continue under the cover and toil of your prayers, that all of you might give thanks as well for the gift of deliverance granted to us on behalf of all of you.
22. Mature your gift
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of mature, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
23. Learn the discipline of listening.
Jeremiah 23:18 For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, and has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it?
