THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION

THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:18

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 62:6-7; Ezekiel 22:30; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 8:26-27; Colossians 4:12; James 5:16; Hebrews 7:25.

Description: The ministry of intercession is the God-given responsibility and privilege of standing before Him in prayer on behalf of individuals, families, communities and nations, seeking His mercy, intervention, protection and fulfilment of His purposes.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges given to believers, but within the broader ministry of prayer is a special responsibility known as intercession. Intercession goes beyond presenting personal needs before God. It involves carrying the burdens of others, standing in the gap for people who need divine intervention and seeking God's will to be accomplished in their lives. It is a ministry of spiritual responsibility, compassion, sacrifice and perseverance.

In Ephesians 6:18, Apostle Paul instructs believers to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints. This instruction comes immediately after his teaching on the whole armour of God. It shows that intercession is an essential part of spiritual warfare. The believer is not expected to fight spiritual battles alone or focus exclusively on personal victory. We are called to stand in prayer for the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Throughout Scripture, we find men and women who stood before God on behalf of others. Abraham interceded for Sodom, Moses prayed for Israel, Samuel committed himself to praying for God's people, Esther pleaded for her nation, and Jesus continually intercedes for believers. Their examples reveal that intercession is a serious spiritual ministry. God is still looking for people who will stand in the gap, carry the burdens of others and faithfully seek His intervention.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION

Intercession is the act of approaching God in prayer on behalf of another person or group of people. An intercessor is someone who stands before God with the needs, challenges and spiritual welfare of others in view.

The ministry of intercession is therefore not simply a prayer activity; it is a spiritual assignment. It requires a heart that is sensitive to God, compassionate towards people and committed to His purposes. It involves presenting the needs of others before God and persevering in prayer until there is divine direction, intervention or the grace to remain faithful.

a) Intercession Means Standing in the Gap (Ezekiel 22:30)

God declared that He sought for a man among the people who would make up the hedge and stand in the gap before Him for the land.

Standing in the gap means accepting the responsibility of praying for people or situations that need divine attention. It means refusing to remain indifferent when others are suffering, struggling or facing spiritual danger.

The intercessor becomes a spiritual watchman who brings the needs of others before God. This does not mean that the intercessor replaces Christ, who alone is the Mediator between God and humanity in the work of salvation. Rather, it means participating in the biblical responsibility of praying for others through Christ.

Practical Application: Do not ignore the spiritual and physical needs of people around you. Ask God to give you the grace to stand in prayer for those who need His help.

b) Intercession Means Pleading on Behalf of Others (1 Timothy 2:1)

Paul instructs believers to make supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all people.

To plead on behalf of others is to bring their needs before God with sincerity and faith. It is to ask God for mercy, forgiveness, healing, restoration, protection, wisdom and divine intervention according to His will.

An intercessor does not pray only when personally affected by a situation. The needs of others become important subjects of prayer.

Practical Application: Develop the habit of praying for people who may not be able to pray effectively for themselves at a particular moment.

c) Intercession Means Carrying the Burdens of Others (Galatians 6:2)

The Scripture commands us to bear one another's burdens and fulfil the law of Christ.

Intercession is one way of carrying the burdens of others. When a fellow believer is weak, a family is struggling or a church is facing a difficult season, we can bring those concerns before God.

The intercessor does not mock the weakness of others or spread their challenges through gossip. Instead, such a person responds with compassion and prayer.

Practical Application: Whenever someone shares a difficult situation with you, make a deliberate effort to pray for that person rather than merely discussing the problem.

d) Intercession Means Seeking God's Will for Others (Matthew 6:10)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

The ministry of intercession is not an attempt to force God to fulfil human desires. It is the act of seeking His will, purposes and glory in the lives of people.

A mature intercessor does not simply ask God to do what people want; he or she seeks what God knows is best and submits every request to His wisdom.

Practical Application: As you pray for others, ask that God's will be done in their lives and that His name will be glorified through their circumstances.

Biblical Example: Abraham Interceding for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33)

When God revealed His intention concerning Sodom, Abraham drew near and pleaded for the city. He repeatedly appealed to God's righteousness and mercy. Although the city was eventually judged, Abraham's example demonstrates the heart of an intercessor: a willingness to stand before God with the needs of others in view.

2. THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION

Intercession is not a human invention or a modern religious practice. It is firmly established throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God's people praying on behalf of others and seeking His intervention in the affairs of individuals and nations.

The Bible also reveals that intercession is part of God's redemptive purpose. He calls His people to pray, and He works through their prayers according to His sovereign will.

a) God Calls His People to Stand in the Gap (Isaiah 62:6-7)

God declared that He had set watchmen upon the walls of Jerusalem who would not keep silent day or night. They were to give Him no rest until He established Jerusalem and made her a praise in the earth.

This passage reveals the importance of persistent prayer. The watchmen were committed to continually bringing the needs of God's people before Him.

The Church needs believers who will not become weary in intercession. We need people who will pray for spiritual revival, righteousness, peace and the fulfilment of God's promises.

Practical Application: Become a spiritual watchman for your family, church and community. Do not abandon your prayer responsibility because of delay.

b) God Desires Intercession for All People (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Paul specifically instructs the Church to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority. He connects such prayer with the desire for peaceful and godly living and God's purpose that people come to the knowledge of the truth.

This teaches us that intercession must not be restricted to our personal circle. We should pray for leaders, communities, nations and people who need salvation.

Practical Application: Include national leaders, government authorities, communities and people who have not yet received Christ in your prayer programme.

c) Jesus Established the Pattern of Intercession (John 17:9-21)

In John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples and those who would believe in Him through their message. He prayed for their protection, sanctification and unity.

This prayer reveals the heart of Christ towards His followers. He was concerned about their spiritual welfare and their ability to remain faithful to God's purpose.

Jesus is our perfect example of intercessory concern. His prayer teaches us to seek not only the immediate needs of believers but also their spiritual growth and unity.

Practical Application: Let your prayers for others include their spiritual protection, holiness, faithfulness and unity in Christ.

d) The Early Church Practised Corporate Intercession (Acts 12:5)

When Peter was imprisoned, the Church gathered and prayed earnestly to God for him. Their prayer was a corporate expression of concern for a fellow believer.

The early Church understood that spiritual challenges required united prayer. They did not abandon Peter because of the danger surrounding him; they brought his situation before God.

Practical Application: Participate actively in corporate prayer meetings. Encourage your church to stand together in prayer for members facing difficult situations.

Biblical Example: Moses Interceding for Israel (Exodus 32:9-14, 30-32)

When Israel sinned by making the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God on behalf of the people. He appealed to God's covenant and mercy. His response reveals the burden of a spiritual leader who is deeply concerned about the people entrusted to his care.

3. THE QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTER OF A TRUE INTERCESSOR

Although every believer is called to pray for others, effective intercession requires spiritual character and commitment. The ministry of intercession is not merely about how long someone prays or how loudly someone speaks. It is about the condition of the heart and the person's relationship with God.

A true intercessor must cultivate a life of holiness, compassion, faith, humility and perseverance. These qualities make intercession meaningful and consistent with the character of Christ.

a) A Genuine Relationship with God (John 15:7)

Jesus taught that if His words abide in us, we may ask what we will, and it shall be done for us.

Effective intercession flows from fellowship with God. We must know the One to whom we are praying and remain connected to Him through faith and obedience.

An intercessor cannot consistently represent the needs of others before God while deliberately neglecting personal fellowship with Him.

Practical Application: Build a strong personal relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, obedience and daily fellowship.

b) A Compassionate Heart (Matthew 9:36)

When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion because they were fainting and scattered like sheep without a shepherd.

Compassion is a central quality of intercession. We must be able to recognise the pain and needs of others and respond with genuine concern.

An intercessor does not celebrate the failure of another believer. Instead, he or she desires restoration, healing and spiritual growth.

Practical Application: Ask God to remove every attitude of indifference, pride and self-centredness from your heart.

c) A Life of Holiness and Obedience (Psalm 66:18)

The Psalmist declares that if he regards iniquity in his heart, the Lord will not hear him.

This verse reminds us that sin must not be treated casually. Although believers approach God through the grace of Christ, we must maintain a life of repentance, obedience and holiness.

An intercessor must not use prayer as a substitute for obedience. Our private lives should reflect the God whose purposes we seek in prayer.

Practical Application: Examine your heart regularly, confess known sin and seek to live in obedience to God's Word.

d) Perseverance and Spiritual Discipline (Colossians 4:12)

Paul describes Epaphras as one who laboured fervently in prayer for the believers in Colossae.

The word picture is that of serious spiritual effort. Intercession requires discipline because some prayer burdens cannot be carried through occasional or casual attention.

A true intercessor does not abandon prayer simply because the answer is delayed. Such a person remains committed while trusting God's wisdom and timing.

Practical Application: Establish a consistent prayer schedule and remain faithful to it, even when you do not immediately see visible results.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 9:1-19)

Daniel studied the Scriptures, understood the prophetic period concerning Jerusalem and turned to God in prayer and fasting. He confessed the sins of his people and pleaded for God's mercy. Daniel's example demonstrates a life of biblical understanding, humility, repentance and perseverance in intercession.

4. THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION

The ministry of intercession covers many areas of human life and God's kingdom. A mature intercessor must understand that God's people have spiritual, physical, family, social and ministry-related needs.

Intercession should therefore be comprehensive. We must pray for the Church, individuals, families, leaders, nations and the advancement of the Gospel.

a) Intercession for the Church (Ephesians 6:18)

Paul specifically instructed believers to pray for all saints. The Church needs prayer for unity, holiness, spiritual maturity, sound doctrine and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Church is engaged in spiritual warfare, and its members need strength to stand against temptation, deception and division.

Practical Application: Pray regularly for your local assembly and the universal Church. Ask God to preserve the Church in truth, holiness and spiritual power.

b) Intercession for Ministers and Christian Leaders (Colossians 4:3-4)

Paul requested prayer for open doors for the Gospel and for the ability to proclaim the message clearly.

Ministers need prayer for spiritual strength, wisdom, courage, integrity and divine direction. Their responsibilities often expose them to intense spiritual and personal pressures.

Practical Application: Pray for pastors, evangelists, missionaries, church workers and Christian leaders. Ask God to keep them faithful to His Word and fruitful in their assignments.

c) Intercession for Families and Individuals (Job 1:5)

Job regularly offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, showing his concern for their spiritual welfare.

Families need prayer for salvation, unity, protection, godly relationships and spiritual growth. Individuals also face personal struggles that require divine help.

Practical Application: Make your family and the families in your church regular subjects of intercession. Pray for marriages, children, parents and those facing family difficulties.

d) Intercession for Nations and Those in Authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul instructed believers to pray for kings and all those in authority so that people might live peaceful and godly lives.

The welfare of a nation affects the lives of its people and the environment in which the Gospel is preached. Therefore, Christians must pray for righteousness, peace, justice and wise leadership.

Practical Application: Pray for Nigeria and other nations. Ask God to guide those in authority, restrain evil, promote justice and create an environment in which people can live in peace and worship Him freely.

Biblical Example: Esther Interceding for Her People (Esther 4:15-16)

When the Jewish people faced the threat of destruction, Esther called for a fast and prepared to approach the king. Her concern went beyond personal safety; she was willing to identify with the needs of her people. Her example demonstrates courage, sacrifice and commitment to the welfare of others.

5. THE SPIRITUAL POWER AND IMPACT OF INTERCESSION

Intercession is a significant ministry because God has chosen to work through the prayers of His people. Prayer does not control God or compel Him to act against His will. Rather, it is an expression of dependence on Him and participation in His purposes.

Throughout Scripture, we see God responding to the prayers of His people with mercy, guidance, deliverance and spiritual renewal.

a) Intercession Can Bring Divine Intervention (Acts 12:5-11)

When Peter was imprisoned, the Church prayed earnestly for him. God sent an angel who led Peter out of the prison.

The Church could not physically open the prison doors, but it could bring Peter's situation before God. The Lord intervened in a way that human strength could not accomplish.

Practical Application: When a fellow believer faces a difficult situation, do not conclude that nothing can be done. Pray and trust God for His intervention.

b) Intercession Can Help Preserve Lives and Communities (Genesis 18:23-32)

Abraham pleaded with God concerning Sodom. His intercession demonstrated concern for people who were facing judgment.

This account reminds us that the condition of communities and nations should matter to believers. We should pray for repentance, mercy and righteousness in society.

Practical Application: Pray for your community, its families and its people. Ask God to bring people to repentance and establish righteousness.

c) Intercession Can Strengthen Believers in Spiritual Battles (Luke 22:31-32)

Jesus told Peter that Satan had desired to sift him as wheat, but Jesus had prayed that his faith would not fail.

Peter still experienced a serious failure when he denied Jesus, but Christ's prayer pointed towards his preservation and restoration. Jesus was concerned that Peter's faith would survive the testing.

This teaches us to pray not only that believers will avoid difficult experiences but also that their faith will remain strong when they face them.

Practical Application: Pray for believers going through spiritual battles. Ask God to preserve their faith, restore those who fall and strengthen them to remain faithful.

d) Intercession Can Promote Spiritual Growth and Maturity (Colossians 1:9-12)

Paul prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, walk worthy of the Lord and increase in the knowledge of God.

Such prayer focuses on spiritual transformation rather than merely outward success. The Church needs believers who are mature, fruitful and firmly established in Christ.

Practical Application: Make spiritual maturity a major subject of your intercession. Pray that believers will grow in knowledge, character, love and service.

Biblical Example: The Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)

The leaders of the church at Antioch ministered to the Lord and fasted. The Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special assignment. Their prayerful atmosphere became a context for divine direction and the advancement of the Gospel.

6. THE CHALLENGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN INTERCESSOR

The ministry of intercession is rewarding, but it also requires sacrifice and discipline. Intercessors may face tiredness, distractions, delayed answers, emotional burdens and spiritual opposition.

A person who desires to serve faithfully in this ministry must understand these challenges and develop the grace to remain committed.

a) The Challenge of Prayerlessness and Distraction (Matthew 26:40-41)

Jesus found His disciples sleeping when He had asked them to watch and pray. They failed to maintain spiritual alertness during a critical moment.

Distractions can gradually weaken our prayer lives. Excessive concern about daily affairs, entertainment, unnecessary conversations and lack of discipline can reduce our commitment to intercession.

Practical Application: Identify the things that regularly distract you from prayer and take deliberate steps to control them.

b) The Challenge of Delayed Answers (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus taught the parable of the persistent widow to encourage His followers to pray always and not faint.

Some situations do not change immediately. Intercessors must learn to persevere without becoming bitter or discouraged. Delayed answers should not automatically be interpreted as God's absence.

Practical Application: Continue to pray with faith and patience. Trust God's wisdom and timing, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.

c) The Challenge of Carrying Spiritual Burdens (Romans 9:1-3)

Paul expressed deep sorrow and concern for his fellow Israelites because of their spiritual condition.

Intercession can involve emotional concern for people and situations. However, the intercessor must learn to depend on God's grace rather than attempting to carry every burden through human strength.

Practical Application: Bring every burden to God and allow Him to sustain you. Maintain a healthy balance between prayer, rest and responsible daily living.

d) The Challenge of Remaining Faithful in Secret (Matthew 6:6)

Jesus taught that believers should enter their private place, shut the door and pray to the Father who sees in secret.

The ministry of intercession is often unseen. Intercessors may not receive public recognition, applause or acknowledgement for their labour. Their reward comes from God.

Practical Application: Do not measure your prayer ministry by public recognition. Remain faithful even when nobody sees your commitment.

Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20)

Hannah carried the burden of barrenness and prayed earnestly before the Lord. Although her prayer was personal, her experience demonstrates the importance of pouring out one's heart before God and persevering in His presence. God answered her prayer with the birth of Samuel, who became a significant instrument in Israel's history.

7. JESUS CHRIST: OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE AND THE SUPREME INTERCESSOR

The highest example of intercession is found in Jesus Christ. His earthly ministry was marked by prayer, compassion and concern for the people He came to save. Even now, the Bible declares that He continues to intercede for those who come to God through Him.

Jesus is not merely an example for intercessors; He is the foundation of our access to the Father. We approach God through Him, and our intercessory ministry must reflect His love and commitment to God's purposes.

a) Jesus Prayed for His Disciples (John 17:9-12)

Jesus prayed for those whom the Father had given Him. He asked for their preservation and protection as they continued their mission in the world.

His prayer reveals the importance of spiritual protection for believers. We must pray that fellow Christians will remain faithful to Christ and be preserved from the evil one.

Practical Application: Pray for the spiritual preservation of believers, especially those who are young in the faith or facing intense opposition.

b) Jesus Prayed for Future Believers (John 17:20-21)

Jesus extended His prayer beyond the disciples to those who would believe through their message.

This demonstrates that intercession must have a vision beyond the present generation. We should pray for future believers, new converts and the continuing spread of the Gospel.

Practical Application: Pray for the salvation of future generations and for the Church to remain faithful in proclaiming the Gospel.

c) Jesus Prayed for Peter's Faith (Luke 22:31-32)

Jesus knew that Peter would face a severe test. He therefore prayed that Peter's faith would not fail.

This teaches us that intercession should focus on the spiritual stability of others. We must pray that believers will remain strong when their faith is tested.

Practical Application: Pray for believers who are under pressure, facing temptation or struggling with doubts. Ask God to strengthen their faith.

d) Jesus Continues to Intercede for Believers (Hebrews 7:25)

The Bible declares that Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He ever lives to make intercession for them.

Christ's present intercessory ministry assures us that we are not abandoned. He is our great High Priest, and through Him we have access to God.

His ministry also gives us the pattern and motivation to pray faithfully for others.

Practical Application: Approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ and follow His example by faithfully interceding for others.

Biblical Example: Jesus Praying on the Cross (Luke 23:34)

As Jesus was being crucified, He prayed for those responsible for His suffering, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Even in the midst of intense suffering, His concern included those who were mistreating Him. This reveals the extraordinary compassion and forgiving spirit that should characterise Christian intercession.

CONCLUSION

The ministry of intercession is a sacred privilege and responsibility entrusted to believers. It calls us to stand in the gap, carry the burdens of others and seek God's intervention in the lives of individuals, families, churches and nations. It requires a genuine relationship with God, compassion, holiness, faith and perseverance. Through the examples of Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Esther, Samuel and the early Church, we learn that intercession is an essential part of a life committed to God's purposes.

Jesus Christ remains our supreme example and the foundation of our access to the Father. He continues to intercede for those who come to God through Him. Therefore, let us become faithful intercessors who will not grow weary in prayer. Let us pray for all saints, support our spiritual leaders, remember the weak, stand with the persecuted and seek the advancement of the Gospel. May God raise us as men and women who will faithfully stand in the gap until His purposes are fulfilled.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, awaken in me a fresh passion for the ministry of intercession in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me a compassionate heart to carry the burdens of others in prayer in Jesus name.

3. Father, make me a faithful watchman who will stand in the gap for my family, church and nation in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from prayerlessness, distractions and spiritual laziness in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen every pastor, minister and Christian leader in their spiritual assignments in Jesus name.

6. Lord, preserve believers everywhere from temptation, deception and spiritual attacks in Jesus name.

7. Father, let Your mercy prevail over our families, communities and nation in Jesus name.

8. Lord, restore every discouraged and spiritually weak believer in Jesus name.

9. Father, fill Your Church with unity, holiness, spiritual power and a passion for the Gospel in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me a consistent and fruitful intercessor who will remain faithful until the end in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive fresh grace and passion for the ministry of intercession.

2. Your prayer altar shall never become cold or abandoned.

3. You shall become a faithful watchman over your family, church and community.

4. Your heart shall be filled with compassion for the weak, the discouraged and the struggling.

5. You shall receive spiritual strength to persevere in prayer without fainting.

6. Every burden you bring before God shall receive His wisdom, mercy and intervention according to His will.

7. Your family shall experience the benefits of a prayerful and God-fearing life.

8. You shall be an instrument of unity, restoration and spiritual encouragement in the body of Christ.

9. Your prayers shall contribute to the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of God's Church.

10. You shall fulfil your spiritual assignment faithfully and finish your race with joy, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.