Welcome back, and before we begin let's agree in prayer:
Father let Your Will be done as I read and study intercession -- Open doors to Your Truth that no one can close, not even my indecisions or questions. Thank Your for Your Grace and Mercy, and Your Love that never fails, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Just what does intercession mean? We need to define it so we can all be on the same page; united and in agreement. Intercession is a 'form' of prayer; I should say it is a 'level' of prayer.
When we begin to 'pray' we cry out -- just like babies do for their needs to be met by their parents -- so we cry out and our Heavenly Father and Mother (God the Creator and God the Holy Spirit) hears our cries and answers them according to His purpose and will for us. In this beginning stage it is a heart to heart thing -- sometimes we verbally speak out or cry out, or write it down or share it with someone -- soul to soul.
Then we grow and mature a little -- into making petitions for what we have learned we can ask God for according to His Word. And we begin to listen and reach out to pray for others as well.
Next we grow and learn and mature more and the next step is supplications -- defined as intense specifically defined requests for 'impossible-looking' situations in our own lives and in the lives of those we 'fellowship' with or family members.
Finally, we can be called -- notice the word called -- into intercession - which includes walking with and in Love, warring against the enemy (enemies) of our soul, and the devices of sin in our flesh. This is the place for mature ones in Christ, not the babes, toddlers, young ones, etc. And while there are not age definitions of one who is in Christ, we do start out as babes being born again and as we learn and grow through being led by the Holy Spirit into all truth we need 24/7 we mature . . . and interecession is the very top level, matured level, of prayer. In fact, at this point one is matured into a 24/7 personal life relationship with God, and heard the call to come into the Chamber of the King of kings, and walk in the authority of Love, and prayer at this point is our life, our living relationship with God. We have decided to follow Jesus no matter what the cost or struggle.
So, if you have found yourself being led by the Spriit Presence of God, into insights on the keys to answered prayers and praying more and more, like breathing, and find yourself hungry for more and more of God, then intercession is the next step. You will find yourself being transformed from what used to bother you (people wise) into loving even that unloveable one or ones. This is the point of entering into intercession that is answering the call on your heart to love and God Loves, and to spiritual battle and take authority for God's glory.
If you check out the Psalms you will find prayers of all kinds, including intercession - and there are prayers throughout the bible done by prophets, and followers of God -- seek God first and then follow with the scriptures you are led to read and study -- this is the personal part of intercession -- what God has called you to, God leads you in personally for you.
The 'Lord's Prayer' found in Luke 11:
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
This is spoken to the disciples by Jesus. Jesus who had studied the bible and who was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and then tempted by the devil - and Jesus answered with 'IT IS WRITTEN' -- so it is very important that at this point, you get real, and acknowledge God in all your ways, and lean NOT to your own understanding about the Word of God, but study the Word of God and show yourself approved -- as in called and anointed to walk the walk, following after Jesus. Then intercession will be a spiritually natural part of your new life in Christ.
More to come! Peace.