Prayer refers to the multifaceted communication of believers with the LORD God. In addition to such words as "prayer" and "praying," this activity is described as calling upon God, (Psalms 17:6 "I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer"). Calling upon the name of the LORD, (Gen. 4:26 "And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enosh. Then began men to call upon the name of Jehovah.") Crying unto the LORD, (Ps. 3:4 "I call out to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain").
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. Daniel's prayer in Daniel the 9th chapter is an intercessory prayer, as he prays earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem and for the entire nation. The Bible records the intercession of Christ and the Holy Spirit and numerous godly men and women under the old and new covenants.
Jesus interceded during His earthly ministry, praying for the multitudes whom He came to seek and save. He wept in brokenness over the city of Jerusalem. He prayed for His disciples, both individually and as a group. He even prayed for His enemies while He was hanging on the cross.
A present aspect of Christ's ministry is to intercede on our behalf before the throne of God. For this reason, John calls Jesus our "advocate" with the Father, one who pleads our case. Christ's intercession is essential to our salvation; without His grace, mercy, and help mediated to us through His intercession, we would fall away from God and once again become enslaved to sin.
The Holy Spirit is also involved in intercession. Paul states, "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". The Holy Spirit through the human spirit of the believer intercedes "according to the will of God". Thus, Christ intercedes for the believer in heaven; the Spirit intercedes within the believer on earth.
The Bible often refers to the intercessory prayers of believers and records numerous examples of remarkable, powerful prayers. In the O.T., the leaders of God's people, such as kings (1Chr. 21:17), prophets (1 Ki. 18:41—45; Dan. 9), and priests (Ezra 9:5—15), were to lead the way in intercessory prayer for the nation.
The N.T. presents even more examples of intercessory prayers. The Gospels record how parents and others interceded with Jesus on behalf of loved ones. Parents pleaded with Jesus to heal their sick children (Mark 5:22—43); a group of mothers asked Jesus to bless their children (Mark 10:13); a man pleaded for his servant to be healed (Mat. 8:6—13); and the mother of James and John interceded with Jesus on their behalf (Mat. 20:20—21).
Every Saturday afternoon at the 2 PM hour intercessory prayer is held via conference line to one and all throughout every region, led by various Sisters, Deacons, Pastors, and Evangelists, men and women of God. Prayers are lifted heavenward on behalf of those that are unable to attend due to various circumstances, i.e., illness, family, loss, etc., etc., etc. The intercessors intercede to Jesus, as He intercedes to the Father on behalf of one and all no matter what state one may be found in, we pray.
You are welcome to join. You are welcome to share with all listeners the prayers prayed by the prayer warriors. Remember, the day and the hour, no matter where you are to lift up your voice in prayer and join the many voices united and willing to stand in the gap. And if you can't say a word, then just wave your hand! The Father knows the hearts and thoughts of all.
Are you willing to be an intercessor, an "Advocate" with the LORD Jesus, one who pleads the case of another?
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
FLB
