I’ve written about intercessory prayer a number of times on this website.
My most read blog post, by a wide margin, is “What is an Intercessor?“
I have friends who are great intercessors.
I’m hit or miss.
But, this is post is about what they have in common, and what it looks like to pray for others.
What’s the difference between intercessory prayer and “normal” prayer?
Not much.
We’re asking God to reveal Himself, heal, lead, guide, protect, feed, show, govern, bless, or any other verb–another person.
We, in essence, “stand in the gap,” between that person and God–often praying when they’re not able to do so for a variety of reasons.
A friend was caught in the midst of a messy divorce and so angry he couldn’t pray as he knew he should.
So, I volunteered to stand in that gap between them. Praying for him, for their kids, and for her. I wasn’t emotionally involved beyond feeling so sad about the situation.
But I knew the kids, in particular, needed “protection” from their mother’s anger. And my friend’s heart was broken.
Even now, years later, when God brings them to mind, I pray. (Hmm. Must go pray . . . )
What do “great” intercessors have in common?
The two most profound intercessors I’ve studied are Lettie Cowman and Rees Howells.
God used both of them–in a sense “working together”– to bring the Gospel into Eastern Europe.
Howells routinely spent hours in prayer, and led his students at the Bible College of Wales nightly throughout World War II. They prayed for the soldiers at Dunkirk, against the Blitz launched on Britain, and as God led throughout the war.
Three to four hours every night for nearly five years.
Cowman routinely spent two to three hours of prayer every day. If she faced a difficult decision in her role as the president of the Oriental Missionary Society, she closed herself into her office.
There, she played her piano and sang hymns with gusto. When she reached the “end” of singing, she picked up her Bible to read and pray through.
Several hours later, she’d exit her office, present to the answer to her often astonished staff, and move forward. Lettie waited on God to point her in the right direction, then proceeded.
Intercessory prayer with her Creator gave her the answer. Why wait for something else?
How do they know what to pray?
The heart of intercessory prayer is a closeness to God, a willingness to let the “prophetic” voice of the Holy Spirit lead, and the confidence Jesus hears all prayers and wants to answer them.
To that end, “deep” praying folks generally start by praising God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They are, in a sense, preparing a place full of worship before they ask on behalf of others.
They acknowledge who God is, what He has done, where and how He is working, and when He acted in their lives and the lives of the Church in the past.
Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of why as well.
(Are you recognizing the five Ws and an H, yet?)
Whereas I’m not claiming to be a great intercessor (by any stretch), I often pray using those starter “question” words.
When you start with the basic question–who are we talking to, anyway?–He will gently lead you into what He wants you to pray.
Who is God to you, and what do you know to be true about Him?
Praise and worship can begin intercessory prayer–and often lead us into a lengthy conversation.
(Because prayer is a conversation, you know that, right?)
Do intercessors always pray exactly as requested?
I don’t. Do you?
Too many people see God as a celestial vending machine.
They think if you put in your prayer request, Ca-ching!, He’ll give you what you seek.
But what if what you’re asking for will harm you and lead you away from your Creator?
Why would God “give” you an expensive car if it just became a means for you to run farther away from Him?
Too often, people ask me to tell God to do “this or that.” I smile politely and pray as God leads me to pray.
Often, I feel like I’m rummaging around in a cupboard off to the right, looking for what God wants me to pray.
Often, unexpected prayers come out of my mouth. That’s just where the Lord led me to pray, and generally quite different from the prayer request.
Until it’s done, the recipient takes a big breath, and expresses gratitude and surprise. “How did you know that?”
I didn’t. But the Holy Spirit did–and He put the words in my mouth.
Be careful what you ask an intercessory pray-er to pray.
Is intercessory prayer more likely to be answered by how long you pray?
No.
Who really leads intercessory prayer?
The Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God.
We’re voice the prayer and follow where the Godhead leads.
It’s often a surprise.
But also so very reassuring, confidence building, and full of blessings.
Joy usually reigns, too.
At least in my experience.
What about yours?
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Thoughts? Reactions? Lurker?