Intercession simply means to make entreaty on behalf of another. To petition often a higher authority on behalf of a lower authority. The art of intercession was a common practice in the early church history. But it is a thing which is gradually depleting in today’s churches.
To intercede for another is to use your influence to see to it that another instead of yourself is being watered. Personally, I believe one of the reasons we don’t receive answered prayers is because we have become more self-centered in our prayers than before. Go to any prayer meeting, and you’ll see full blown selfishness at display.
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25
In the book of Acts of the apostles, chapter twelve, we have an interesting story about the need for believers to gather and intercede.
Apostle James got arrested by king Herod, and everybody was like, “Hey, this guy doesn’t know whom he has arrested; he doesn’t know the power he is dealing with in arresting James, one of the big three.” Others were like, “oh James! He’ll get out soon enough, they don’t know the power that guy possesses.” As they kept talking about how great the apostle was and what he was capable of, they heard the news of his beheading!
A shock wave swept through the entire body of Christ. “James had been killed! Jesus Christ! How is this possible?” Oh yeah, it is very possible! For it would seems God will do nothing in this realm unless somebody prayed. Because they refused to pray, help was not released.
Then not long after, king Herod stretched his hand and had Peter arrested also, desiring to kill him after the Passover, because he saw it pleased the Jews. Then somebody said, “if we don’t intercede for him, another one of the big three will be beheaded”, and so prayer was made continually for Peter.
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but PRAYER WAS MADE WITHOUT CEASING OF THE CHURCH UNTO GOD FOR HIM.” Acts 12:5
This is intercession! To make relentless prayers for somebody until they’re delivered.
Did you know that heaven is waiting on you to move on your behalf? Most believers don’t know they control what God should do in their lives. I know believers who cry themselves to sleep every night in self pity, hoping God will have mercy on them. Well, here’s the good news, God only moves by your exhibit of faith in prayer, not your cries.
Prayer moves God, not your self pity, not your cries! There’s no human emotion that moves God, only faith does. We suffer many unnecessary burdens all because we don’t want to call for help from the other realm.
The secret to hundred percent answered prayers is to water the lives of others.
Blessings
E. D Addae