Then from the Old Testament we read: "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jer. 29:11 AMP).
God's purpose far outreaches the comprehension of the average churchgoer. However, within the broad scope of His plan we can approach the Father on behalf of others, praying as He has instructed us. Through the medium of prayer we are instrumental in establishing the intercession of Jesus on earth.
Spirit-Led Intercession Brings Deliverance
One morning a few years ago as I began to pray, I felt overwhelmed by the many and various needs of numerous individuals. There were too many names to even mention. Contemplating how and where to start, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me pray. He always knows the plan of the Father, and He knows where your prayers are most needed.
On this occasion after praying in the Spirit for a few minutes, I realized that I was entering into that place of prayer where the Holy Spirit "takes hold together with us" against our inability to produce results. I did not even know for whom I was praying, much less the desired results. (Read Romans 8:26-28)
A few minutes later the Holy Spirit revealed the individual for whom I was praying, and led me to rebuke the forces of darkness that had controlled his thinking and blinded his eyes. He was delivered from a deaf and dumb spirit that had twisted the truth and held him in bondage.
It was only a few days later that this young man shared his testimony of deliverance. To God be the glory!
Pleading the Cause of Others
Pleading the cause of others, as in a court case, is another purpose for intercession (1 Tim. 2:1). Here again, Jesus is our example. Isaiah said of Him, "He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa. 53:12).
When praying for others, it is important to unite with the Holy Spirit. There is power in our words, and if we do not pray according to the will of God, we will pray amiss, perhaps delaying the fulfillment of God's plan and purpose in an individual's life.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the intercession of Jesus for those with whom you are emotionally involved, especially family members. This is an area in which your own will and feelings can so easily come into play. When you react emotionally to a situation, allowing a prideful attitude or emotional hurts to control your prayers, the picture becomes distorted. Sometimes you may even find yourself seeking revenge in certain situations. You must know the will of God before you can effectively plead the cause of another.
Intercession as Defense or Vindication
Another purpose of intercession is to defend or vindicate someone or his actions. We cannot do this while holding anything against the person for whom we are praying. In order to pray for others, we must forgive. Unforgiveness is the primary hindrance to answered prayer. As God's ambassadors we hold the ministry of reconciliation.
"It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but canceling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor)" (2 Cor. 5:19 AMP).
Intercession and God's Eternal Plan
God's overall plan includes the restoration of all things, the manifestation of the sons of God and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel (Rom. 8-11).
God's purposes are eternal. We are preparing the way of the Lord as He sets the stage for the millennial reign of Christ. It is imperative that we continue in faith, cooperating with God's plan, praying always without fainting or turning coward.
God's eternal plan will be consummated. We must remember that it is not people we are to act against; it is the devil and his demonic forces. Do not approach God with accusations against your brothers and sisters; they are not your enemies. To pray against any other human being, even our worst enemy, is to misuse the prayer of intercession.
Let's get serious about interceding for the lost, our government, families, and the church. Bind your mind to the mind of Christ, and release His intercession into the atmosphere.
Fill the airwaves with prayer. Let the high praises of God be in your mouth, and a two-edged sword in your hand to execute vengeance only upon the satanic kingdom. Use intercessory prayer as a spiritual weapon on behalf of those held in bondage by the powers of darkness.
In her book, Contact with God, Jeanne Wilkerson with Brent Olsson, wrote: "There may be earthquakes, tornadoes, and all types of calamities coming to this earth. As the body of Christ, you must be the patrol guard over your cities and nations! For example, when you hear that destructive forces are about to come against you or your city, you, as intercessors, need to stop them in the name of the Lord. Jesus did it, and so can you." (Pages 77-18)
You can pray prayers that avail much in the name of Jesus!
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Germaine Griffin Copeland, founder and president of Word Ministries, Inc., is the author of the best selling book series Prayers That Avail Much. She is a woman of prayer and praise whose highest form of worship is the study of God's Word. Her greatest desire is to know God.
