STANDING IN THE GAP AS AN INTERCESSOR

STANDING IN THE GAP AS AN INTERCESSOR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 22:30
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 2:1-2, James 5:16, Romans 8:26-27, Jeremiah 29:7, Isaiah 59:16

INTRODUCTION:
Standing in the gap as an intercessor is a powerful and vital role in the body of Christ. God desires individuals who are willing to stand before Him, interceding on behalf of others—be it individuals, families, communities, or nations. In Ezekiel 22:30, God sought a man who would intercede for the people, yet He found none. This study highlights the importance of standing in the gap, the qualifications of an intercessor, and how we can engage in effective intercession.

1. THE CALL TO INTERCESSION
God has always called people to stand in the gap for others. The role of the intercessor is central in the Bible.

a) Intercession is a divine responsibility (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
We are called to intercede for all people, especially leaders and those in authority.

b) Intercession is necessary for God’s mercy (Jeremiah 29:7)
The wellbeing of a nation or people can be influenced by the prayers of intercessors.

c) Intercession prevents judgment (Exodus 32:11-14)
Moses stood in the gap to avert God’s judgment on Israel for their sin.

d) Intercession releases God’s power (James 5:16)
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33)
Abraham interceded for the city of Sodom, asking God to spare it for the sake of the righteous.

2. QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE INTERCESSOR
To stand in the gap effectively, certain qualities must be present in the intercessor.

a) A heart of compassion (Matthew 9:36)
An intercessor must have a deep concern for the spiritual condition and wellbeing of others.

b) A life of holiness and righteousness (Isaiah 59:16)
God listens to the prayers of those who live in righteousness and purity.

c) Persistent and faithful in prayer (Luke 18:1-8)
Intercessors must persevere, never giving up, even when prayers seem unanswered.

d) Ability to hear God's voice (John 10:27)
Intercessors must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and know how to pray according to God's will.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Prayer for the Nation (Daniel 9:3-19)
Daniel interceded on behalf of Israel, confessing their sins and asking for God’s mercy.

3. THE ROLE OF AN INTERCESSOR
An intercessor is not merely praying for personal needs but stands before God on behalf of others.

a) A mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
An intercessor bridges the gap, standing before God to plead on behalf of others.

b) A watchman for the nation and the church (Isaiah 62:6-7)
Intercessors are called to be watchful, praying for the peace, safety, and prosperity of nations and churches.

c) A laborer in the harvest field (Matthew 9:38)
Intercessors help bring people into the kingdom of God through persistent prayer.

d) A voice crying out for mercy and grace (Habakkuk 3:2)
Intercessors petition God for mercy, grace, and revival in times of need.

e) Biblical Example: Moses as an Intercessor (Exodus 32:31-32)
Moses stood in the gap for Israel when they sinned by making the golden calf, pleading with God to forgive them.

4. THE POWER OF INTERCESSION
Intercession has great power because it is done in alignment with God's will and purpose.

a) It brings healing and deliverance (James 5:16)
Intercession can bring healing to the sick, deliverance to the oppressed, and salvation to the lost.

b) It shifts atmospheres and changes situations (Acts 16:25-26)
Through prayer, intercessors can bring about miraculous breakthroughs, as seen in Paul and Silas’ prayers in prison.

c) It brings protection and preservation (Psalm 91:15)
Intercessory prayer can protect individuals, families, and nations from harm and danger.

d) It brings God’s mercy in judgment (Genesis 18:23-33)
Intercession can alter God’s judgment, as seen in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus' Intercession for Peter (Luke 22:31-32)
Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail, demonstrating the power of intercession in strengthening others.

5. RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL TO INTERCESSION
As God seeks intercessors, we must be willing to answer His call to stand in the gap.

a) Commit to regular prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21)
Fasting and prayer heighten our spiritual sensitivity and effectiveness in intercession.

b) Intercede for the lost and unsaved (Romans 10:1)
Praying for the salvation of souls is a vital part of intercession.

c) Intercede for church leaders and nations (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Praying for leaders in the church, government, and society brings peace and godliness.

d) Encourage others to join in intercession (Matthew 18:19-20)
There is power in corporate prayer, and intercessors should rally others to join in the prayer effort.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church's Prayers (Acts 12:5-17)
The early church gathered in fervent prayer for Peter’s release, demonstrating the power of corporate intercession.

CONCLUSION:
Standing in the gap as an intercessor is not just a role but a divine calling that requires commitment, persistence, and a heart for others. God is searching for people who will stand in the gap, interceding for their families, communities, nations, and the world. By answering this call, we align ourselves with God's will, and through our prayers, we can bring about divine intervention, healing, and transformation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me a faithful intercessor in Your kingdom.

2. Father, give me a heart of compassion for those in need of prayer.

3. Lord, help me to stand in the gap for my family, community, and nation.

4. Father, strengthen me in the place of prayer and fasting.

5. Lord, use my prayers to bring healing and deliverance to those around me.

6. Father, I pray for revival in my church and my nation.

7. Lord, grant me the grace to persevere in intercession, no matter the circumstances.

8. Father, protect and preserve those I pray for, especially leaders in the church and government.

9. Lord, I ask for the salvation of my loved ones—draw them to Yourself.

10. Father, empower me to encourage others to join in the place of prayer and intercession.

May the Lord raise up intercessors who will stand in the gap for this generation!