Concerning Intercession

https://www.ian@fertiileground.wordpress.com

Scripture

Concerning Intercession

Part 1

1 Concerning Intercession

Scripture

And I sought among them a man to wall up a wall and stand in the breach before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. (Eze 22:30 LITV)

For Zion's sake, I will not be silent; and for Jerusalem's sake, I will not rest; until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning lamp. And nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. And you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of Jehovah shall specify. You also shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of Jehovah, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You no longer shall be called Forsaken; nor shall your land any longer be called Desolate. But you shall be called, My Delight is in Her; and your land, Married. For Jehovah delights in you, and your land is married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you. And as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God shall rejoice over you. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. All the day and all the night they shall not always be silent; you who remember Jehovah, do not let a pause be to you. And give no pause to Him until He sets up and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Jehovah has sworn by His right hand, and by the might of His arm: Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; and the sons of a stranger shall not drink your new wine for which you have laboured. But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise Jehovah. And they who have collected it shall drink it in My holy courts. Pass! Pass through the gates; prepare the way of the people! Raise up! Raise up the highway; clear it from stones; lift up a banner over the peoples. Behold, Jehovah has made it to be heard to the end of the earth; Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold! Your salvation comes! Behold! His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. And they shall call them, The Holy People, the Redeemed of Jehovah. And to you it shall be called, Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. (Isa 62:1-12 LITV)

See that not any one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things, hold fast the good. Keep back from every form of evil. And may the God of peace Himself fully sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is the One calling you, who also will perform it. Brothers, pray concerning us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

(1Th 5:15-28 LITV)

1.1 What is Intercession

Intercession from what I understand from the Scripture; is being able to stand in the gap for a nation, a city, a country, a people or ethnic group. It is the present day ministry of Christ Jesus. We are invited to join in with our Lord, to fulfil this important ministry through and with Him. It is an intimate relationship with our Lord, our chief High Priest. It is our priestly service which our Lord entrusts to us. It is part of our sacred service to the Lord.

It is written our Lord speaking through Ezekiel: - “_ I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found no one.”(Ezek22:30 NKJ).

Which means we whom are called a royal priesthood; called by His Holy Name! As a chosen generation; a peculiar people are to offer, proclaim His praises! He called us from out of darkness into His Marvellous Light. (See 1Pet 2:9). We are His Light bearers, the lamp on a stand, to be a light in the darkness. “And no one having lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those coming in see the light. “For whatever is hidden shall be revealed, and whatever is secret shall be known and come to light. (Luk 8:16-17 TS2009)

We are to arise shine, for our Light (Christ Jesus) has come! His Glory is risen upon us (Is 60:1-3). As intercessors we act as watchmen on the walls. We are not able to hold our peace day or night; as we stand in the gap for the nations. We stand in the gap for Jerusalem, not being silent nor giving our Lord rest until He establishes His Kingdom on earth, Making Jerusalem a Praise in the earth (see Is 62:6-7).

It is when we stand in agreement with Yeshuah (Jesus), that our Lord is able to heal our land, people and nation. As an intercessor our Lord entrusts us with certain gifts, including His Wisdom. Continually praying in the Spirit, with groans which cannot be uttered, birthing takes place.

Part 2

2 Why is it Necessary?

Scripture

First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For God is one, and there is one Mediator of God and of men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. To this I am ordained a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie), a teacher of the nations, in faith and truth. Therefore, I desire that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1Ti 2:1-8 MKJV)

Remember our Lord does nothing without first letting His servants the prophets know of His plans. We see examples of this in the life of Abraham and Elijah. Samuel often stood in the gap for Israel. David, although Saul sought to do him harm; still stood in the gap interceding on behalf of Saul’s house. We notice these fruit been produced through and in David’s life.

Every man and woman of G_D has this mandate from Him, to intercede on behalf of the different ethnic groups, nations, peoples and leaders. Paul writing to Timothy, reminds us to pray for all men everywhere, including kings, those in authority. When we actually do intercede on behalf of them, is so we are able to live, peaceful godly, reverent lives (see 1 Tim 2:1-4).

If you recall the turning tables incident in the temple! Remember, our Lord; visited the temple in Yerushalem (Jerusalem) during one Passover. When He saw the traders, he became wrath! Turned the tables on them! Chased them out! Because the zeal of His House consumed Him!

Yes! He even made a whip and chased all these traders out from the temple courts! He cleansed the temple of all her impurities, declaring, saying, and decreeing: - “My House shall be a House of Prayer for all Nations! Yet you have made her a den of thieves!” (See Mt 21:13; Mark 11:17; Lk 19:46; Is 56:7).

One of the reasons is stated in these scriptures, but there is more than one reason we are encouraged to intercede. I will try to list some of the reasons below as follows: -

2.1 Reasons

For nations to come under G_D’s Kingdom Reign.
Salvation of ethnic people groups & nations.
Calling the lost to true repentance.
Breaking enemy strongholds.
Calling in to being the return of prodigals.
Calling the church to return to her First Love.
Breaking up of the fallow ground of men’s hearts.
Preparing the way of the Lord.
It is part of our Priestly office and duties.
Sending forth of workers into the Harvest.
For us to live in Peaceful Habitations
Preparing songs of deliverance
For the Lord’s house to be a House of Prayer for All Nations

2.2 Nehemiah’s Prayer (Cup bearer of the king)

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it happened in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, Hanani came, one of my brothers, he and men of Judah. And I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and about Jerusalem. And they said to me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great evil and shame. The wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.

And it happened, when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven. And I said, I beseech You, Jehovah God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, keeping the covenant and mercy to those loving Him, and to keepers of His commandments, let Your ear now be open, and Your eyes open, so that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You today, day and night, for Your servants the sons of Israel; and confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both I and my father's house have sinned. Corrupting we have acted corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which You commanded Your servant Moses. I beseech You, remember the Word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the peoples. But if you will turn to Me and keep My commandments, and do them, though you were cast out to the outermost part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to set My name there. And these are Your servants and Your people whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I beg You, let Your ear be open to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name. And I beg You, bless Your servant today and grant him mercy before this man. For I was cupbearer to the king. (Neh 1:1-11 LITV)

Though Nehemiah had been the king’s cupbearer, his heart was established in interceding on behalf of his people Israel. I believe he also interceded for the king at Shushan. In fact I believe he regularly interceded on behalf of his host nation. At this stage he also interceded on behalf of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), Israel (Yisrael) and all Judah (Yehudah).

He recalled David’s words, to constantly pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). Though being the kings Cup Bearer, he constantly bore the people of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in his heart. Yerushalayim had been in ruins. Her walls broken down, because of Israel’s sin.

Their kings served foreign gods, the Baal’s and heeded false prophets! For they forgot YHVH’s original Covenant; He made with Yisrael and Yehudah. These kings and governors; governed contrary to G_D’s original instructions. Through these actions they mislead their subjects. This brought about G-D’s Judgement upon them. Because of their sin, and not hearing G-D’s servants, His prophets when they warned of upcoming events.

Due their iniquitous actions and lifestyle, they were exiled from the Promised Land. The land lay dormant except for the few living in Yerushalayim. They had no or very little protection from marauding tribes. Yerushalayim’s walls were broken down, destroyed and in ruins. Her society ashamed, naked and in danger. They lost their future, hope and vision. All these things became known to Nehemiah.

On hearing this bad report Nehemiah; interceded on behalf of his brethren, country, nation and people. He mourned, wept and fasted for many days praying for them. He repented on behalf of their sin and iniquity. Confessing they had been in the wrong and had broken their covenants. Neither were they able to keep the LORD’s commandments, nor the Law given them by Moses!

Being aware of G-D’s Covenant Promises which He had made with Yisrael & Yehudah: Nehemiah; reminded the Lord, calling upon His Great Grace and Mercy! He remembered G_D’s promise to David and Solomon. His intimate relationship which he had with YHVH left its imprint upon his life! In due course the people would be able to stand by him. He prepared his heart.

Through intercession; we prepare our hearts for G-D to do something good and great in our lives. When we break up the fallow ground, preparing the soil of our hearts, G-d is able to turn our lives around. The moment we allow the LORD to work in our hearts and lives, change takes place. The work which He starts in our hearts He brings to completion, fulfilment and restoration.

While interceding for his people, his nation, and his tribe; the LORD, lays His burden for Yerushalayim, Yisrael and Yehudah upon the heart of His servant. Though he was the kings Cup Bearer, his tender heart was broken and burdened for G-D’s people. When we are impressed upon our heart, to act according to G-D’s Word and the Power of His Holy Spirit!

Our hearts start to break with that which breaks G-D’s Heart. This is when and where our intimacy with G-d is fashioned and formed. He so desires an intimate relationship with us, as His Bride. Our heart beat becomes in sync with that of our Bridegroom. When our intimacy grows from strength to strength in great strides; our heart becomes closer to Father’s Heart.

During which time we start reaching maturity in G-D; His desire then becomes our desire. As we grow in intercession we delight ourselves In G-d’s Presence. We see this pattern in Christ’s Prayer recorded in John 17. He desires us to pray even as He daily intercedes on our behalf. You see the longer we intercede; the more it becomes our lifestyle. This is what Paul was speaking of in his first letter to the Thessalonians (See 1 Thes 5:17).

We are going to end this session with these instructions, given us via Paul. Next session we will carry on from here. Remember our Lord’s instructions to pray continuously. We are to be consistent in our prayer life. Through our consistent, continuous, persistent prayers, we will learn what intercession is. We shall grow in our prayer life, reaching maturity. Intercession is a lifestyle of continuous prayer.

Therefore let us prepare our hearts as our study concerning Intercession would renew our strength. The anointing of our LORD; breaks every yoke of bondage. Let us work together with the leading, guidance and direction of His Holy Spirit. For who knows the heart of man better than G_D!

As we grow from strength to strength through intercession, intimacy and the Anointing of HIS HOLY Spirit we shall see CHRIST’s Body; His Bride reach full maturity. He is returning for His Bride, unblemished, marked or marred by this world.

Surely the whole Earth is filled with His Glory!

ARISE! BRIDE OF CHRIST!

ARISE TO THE FULLNESS OF OUR STATURE!!!!

Part 3 3 Pray Without Ceasing©

Scripture

https://www.fertiileground@wordpress.com

https://www.fertiileground@blogger.com

https://www.fertiileground@wixsite.com/fertiileground01

http://www.google.com/

But, brothers, we entreat you to know those labouring among you, and taking the lead of you in the Lord, and warning you, even esteem them most exceedingly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brothers, to warn the disobedient ones, comfort those that are fainthearted, cleave to the ones being weak, be long-suffering towards all. See that not any one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things, hold fast the good. Keep back from every form of evil. And may the God of peace Himself fully sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is the One calling you, who also will perform it. Brothers, pray concerning us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (1Th 5:12-28 LITV)

To follow

Intercession (Prayer 101)

Part 3 Pray without ceasing

(Following from Previous Section)©

Part3 Intercession Prayer 101)©

Part 3

3 Pray Without Ceasing©

3.1 Scripture

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and devout, eagerly expecting the Consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it happened to him, having been divinely instructed by the Holy Spirit, he was not to see death before he would see the Christ of the Lord. And by the Spirit he came into the temple. And as the parents were bringing in the child Jesus for them to do according to the custom of the Law concerning Him, even Simeon received Him into his arms. And he blessed God and said, Now, Master, You will let Your slave go in peace according to Your Word; because my eyes saw Your Salvation, which You prepared before the face of all the peoples; a Light for revelation to the nations, and the Glory of Your people Israel. And Joseph was marvelling, also His mother, at the things being said concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, Behold, this One is set for the fall and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against; yea, a sword also will pierce your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was Anna, a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in many days, having lived seven years with a husband from her virginity; and she was a widow of eighty four years, who did not depart from the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. And coming on at the very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke concerning Him to all those in Jerusalem eagerly expecting redemption. (Luk 2:25-38 LITV)

Now continuing from where we left off last time. Paul writes us saying we are to pursue good toward each other. We need to rejoice always in the LORD, for His Goodness toward us all! We need to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. For us to be able live and walk this victorious life, according to His Word. His Word of Promise remains true. He always honour’s His Word above His Name!

This is why we are to pray without ceasing. He is no man that He should lie! His Promises are secure. When entering a place of intimacy with Him, we need to spend time with Him. Through this we get to know His Character. We realize He is no impersonal being. In fact His Love far surpasses all our human understanding! Through Paul’s memories we see him always being thankfully gracious toward the Lord in all things. Here he reminds us to be thankful, for it is G-D’s will in all things through Christ Jesus (Yeshuah Ha Massiach).

Remember being graciously, thankful is one of the key foundations found in Scripture! Especially when it comes to our intercessory and conventional prayers. We find this element in all the prayers of Paul. Throughout the Scripture we discover how Praise, Prayers, Thanksgiving and Worship of YHVH, are working together for the fulfilling of our Lord’s Plans. He knows the plans He has for us! Plans of success and a future! Not of failure! (See Jer 29:11-13)

Our Lord daily delights in having fellowship with us. His Promises remain yes and Amen in Him! He needs to share His Heart with us! His Love brings us to repentance. Whoever, diligently seeks Him shall never be disappointed! He so longs to hear our voice and answer when we call.

3.2 Prevailing Prayer & Intercession

And He also spoke a parable to them to teach it is always right to pray, and not to faint, saying, A certain judge was in a certain city, not fearing God and not respecting man. And a widow was in that city, and she came to him, saying, Avenge me from my adversary. And for a time he would not. But after these things he said to himself, Even if I do not fear God, and do not respect man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, that not coming to the end, she wear me down. And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge says; and will God not at all execute the avengement of His elect, those crying to Him day and night, also having been long-suffering over them? I say to you that He will carry out the avengement of them speedily. But the Son of Man coming then, will He find faith on the earth? (Luk 18:1-8 LITV)

Now let us have a quick look at the above Scriptures. We recall Paul writing in his first letter to the Thessalonians, as he encourages them to always be rejoicing in the Lord. In the beginning of his Thessalonian letter, Paul as always prays giving thanks to the Lord, for them. Paul always prayed while writing his letters to all the church.

As men and women of G-D, we are to continue praying. This is right and pleasing in the Lord’s sight. He desires fellowship with us as His Bride as mentioned earlier. We are reminded to seek first God’s Kingdom, then all these things shall be added unto us (see Mat 6:33-34). `

He reminds us to stand secure and sure in our intimacy with Him. Through our intimate relationship with Father, we’re able to feel, seeing how much His Heart yearns for us. He longs to speak with us. We’re to listen for His yearning heart. Actively praying the Prayer of Praise, Thanksgiving and Worship. They almost, always normally function together as one.

During the intimate times of our conversations with Him, He wishes to let us into His secrets. It is written that our Lord, will not do anything without letting His Servants the prophets into His plans (See Amos 3:7-8). He desires to keep us in the know. He delights in our fellowship we have with Him.

Both Simeon and Anna the elder widow being a prophetess, had this intimate relationship with YHVH. Both came at the same appointed time to see the fulfilment of Messiah’s birth and dedication in the temple according to their individual words the Lord had given. Both spent intimate prayer with YHVH. He thus revealed to them His hidden Truth.

Both prevailed in prayer, in travail to see the fulfilment of G-D’s Salvation represented in Yeshuah (Jesus)! Why down this route? Easy! We are talking of prevailing prayer and intercession. When going further down this route, we start realizing and seeing, the strategic opportunities of prevailing Intercessory Prayer for all the nations across the globe.

This includes prevailing before G-D for those amongst us, in our families, our house, who do not know Him. This means prevailing prayer for our family members whom are lost, living in sin. Prevailing before G-D in prayer for their repentance and Salvation! As intercessors we are in the honourable, privileged, position as appointed by & through G_D to minister before Him!

3.3 Prevail

Prevailing Prayer is Intercession!

As intercessors we are able to pray in the future! What do we mean through this statement; pray in the future? Good question. Remember Paul wrote about Abraham calling that which is not as though it is. Yes! Even in interceding, we act according to faith, in G-D’s Promises. When reading about the persistent widow of Luke 18 (See Lk 18:1-8)! Notice this small statement: -

_ _ _He spoke a parable to them teaching it is always right to pray and not faint_ _ _

(Lk 18:1-3).

We find this scenario in the parable. Briefly, a parable is an illustration often used by our Lord, to explain a certain matter. In this parable, our Lord is bringing across to us the importance of persistent, prevailing prayer! Remember prayer, intercession is a ministry. It is also having an intimate relationship with our Lord.

3.4 Spiritual Warfare!

But it is also a battle upon our knees. Through our consistent intercession and prayers; we are able to live in overcoming victory. I remember reading in Rees Howells life story (Biography) how through his constant intercession, he changed the Second World War’s outcome. We see similarities in many men and women of God.

Approximately Ninety percent of their lives were changed! Due to an interceding aunt, uncle, family member; whether parents or spouse who battered the gates of hades & hell, for their Salvation.

When was the last time we earnestly prayed? When last had we interceded, standing our ground, in the gap fighting for our family members whom are close to us to be saved? As interceding people we need to persistently, continue praying!

Our Lord surely hears and answers us quickly.
He fights for us!
He is; “The Lord of Hosts!”
He delights in answering our Prayer and Intercession!

Part 4

4 Praying His Promises

13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”[d]) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”(Rom 4:13-15 NKJ).

To follow