Session #4- Intercession

Introduction

Most believers know that the Scriptures call us to pray for the needs of others and the world. Paul urges Timothy that "petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people-" (1 Tim 2:1). Jesus modeled the importance of intercessory prayer in John 17 when he prayed for the protection of his disciples and for all believers (John 17:15-26.)

However, it seems that there is no end to the prayer needs that fill our lives. A relative with a diagnosis, a friend with financial trouble, a coworker losing their marriage, life in a fallen world is filled with brokenness. We can become overwhelmed by the countless requests in church meetings, the lostness that permeates our world, not to mention the chaos taking place in our culture and government. The responsibility to intercede for others and the world can feel like too much to handle.

Thankfully, the work of intercessory prayer is not left up to our own strength. Romans 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit within us "intercedes for us and God's people" and empowers us to pray even in our weakness (Rom 8:26-28). A few verses later, we are told that the resurrected Christ is seated at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf (Rom 8:34), giving us access to God in prayer! Your prayer of intercession is truly a supernatural work powered by the Spirit and mediated by Jesus. Additionally, we can take comfort that the work of intercessory prayer is not left up to any one person. The book of Acts describes the work of prayer as one of the primary activities of the entire church (Acts 2:42). Though the work of intercession is immense, we can rejoice that we do not have to undertake it alone.

What do you find most challenging about intercessory prayer? Do you have a regular rhythm of praying for the needs of others and the world?

How is the work of intercessory prayer connected with our what Christ has done for us? In other words, what drives us to pray for others?

Read Exodus 32:9-14 Together and Discuss

What do you find interesting about this interaction between God and Moses? Why do you think God relents from his threat to destroy the people?

How did this encounter give us a model for intercessory prayer? What does Moses appeal to when interceding for the people?

Read Romans 15:30-32 and Colossians 4:12 Together and Discuss

What do you notice about Paul's description of intercessory prayer?

What makes intercessory prayer a type of "wrestling" with God?

This Week’s Practice

This week we will make prayer cards to help guide us in the act of intercessory prayer.

Begin with three to four cards so that you are not overwhelmed. Consider having one card for different categories (Family, Church, Community, Etc.) Start by using these prayer cards for more ongoing requests rather than those that are more temporary.

Here are some simple steps:

Step One: Label the Card with the name or prayer concern. (Spouse, Children, Coworkers, Specific Ministry, Etc.)

Step Two: Write down a few keywords or phrases that capture what you are concerned about or want to ask for in that person's life.

For example, if you are praying for your church, you could write down words like "discipleship" or "evangelism" or specific ministry names like "children's ministry" or "community groups."

If you pray for a family member, you could write down things like "character" or "joy." If you are praying for their salvation or growth in Christlikeness, you could write those things down. Whatever it is, be specific and think about more than just their immediate needs. What do you want to see God do in this person's life?

Step Three: Pray the Word into your concerns by adding a relevant passage of Scripture to your prayer card! If you are praying for your church, add Romans 15:5-6 to pray for church unity. If you are praying for a suffering family member, add Psalm 34:18 to pray for the Lord's nearness in their affliction.

Step Four: As you complete the card, pray briefly over the concern or area! Feel free to add things to the card as you pray and new situations develop related to these concerns.