Series Developing a powerful prayer life Exposition 5

Series: Developing a powerful prayer life. Exposition # 5. The weapons of our warfare not of the flesh. Pastor Yaciel Toledo. 1

Five basic types of prayer. 1. Praise and thanksgiving. 2. Confession. 3. Petition. 4. Intercession. 5. Meditation. 2

Content 1. What is intercessory prayer? 2. Understanding the prayer of Intercession. 3. What should we intercede for? 4. A good example of a Biblical intercessory prayer. 3

What is intercessory prayer? ■ It is the act of praying on behalf of others. ■ It is warfare. ■ It takes place in this spiritual world where the battles for our own lives, our families, our friends and our nation are won or lost. 4

Understanding the prayer of Intercession. ■ The type of prayer that focuses on the needs of others. ■ Intercession is also used for a backslidden Christian or the salvation of a lost person. ■ It is used to intercede for those in significant service to God (evangelists, missionaries, pastors, and teachers). 5

■ Understanding the prayer of Intercession. Praying for those with physical needs is another type of intercession. ■ Intercession is a broad category of prayer that covers anything from praying for the lost to praying for God’s blessing on a ministry of God. ■ Intercession is the primary way He works to save the lost and to empower the church. ■ God has called all believers to intercession. Though some are called to far greater levels. Intercession is the least practiced prayer type because it requires focus outside our own immediate circle. 6

■ Understanding the prayer of Intercession. Jesus, Himself, intercedes for us; 1 Tim 2: 5; Rom 8: 34. ■ We need a plan for battle, a target for our prayers; James 1: 5. To discover God’s plan, all we need to do is ask. ■ Jas 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ■ We need to be armed for battle. Intercessory prayer is a serious matter. And just like soldiers who are preparing for battle, we cannot take on the enemy if we leave our weapons behind. That's why we must go into "battle" armed for spiritual conflict; 2 Cor 10: 4. 2 Co 10: 4 For the weapons of our warfare not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 7

Understanding the prayer of Intercession. We need to put the whole armor of God. ■ Eph 6: 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Eph 6: 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Eph 6: 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Eph 6: 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Eph 6: 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Eph 6: 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Eph 6: 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 8

■ Understanding the prayer of Intercession. We need to know that Jesus is in control of everything and has all authority to defeat the power of the enemy, Luke 10: 19, and that God’s Spirit is in us and is more powerful that the one that is in the world, 1 John 4: 4. ■ We need to persist in battle. ■ Intercessory prayer is also prayer that doesn't give up. It's the kind of prayer that endures all setbacks and overcomes every obstacle. It's prayer that "presses on" until we "apprehend" God's will in whatever situation we are facing; Phil 3: 12. Php 3: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 9

What should we intercede for? ■ For kings and all who are in high positions, that may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way, 1 Tim 2: 1 -2. ■ For the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122: 6). ■ For unbelievers to be saved, Rom 10: 1. 10

A good example of a Biblical intercessory prayer. ■ A wonderful model of intercessory prayer is found in Daniel 9. It has all the elements of true intercessory prayer. It is in response to the Word (v. 2); characterized by fervency (v. 3) and self-denial (v. 4); identified unselfishly with God’s people (v. 5); strengthened by confession (v. 5 -15); dependent on God’s character (vv. 4, 7, 9, 15); and has as its goal God’s glory (vv. 1619). 11

A good example of a Biblical intercessory prayer. ■ Like Daniel, Christians are to come to God on behalf of others in a heartbroken and repentant attitude, recognizing their own unworthiness and with a sense of self-denial. Daniel does not say, “I have a right to demand this out of You, God, because I am one of your special, chosen intercessors. ” He says, “I'm a sinner, ” and, in effect, “I do not have a right to demand anything. ” True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God’s will and see it fulfilled, but to see it fulfilled whether or not it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God’s glory, not our own. 12

Series: Developing a powerful prayer life. Exposition # 5. The weapons of our warfare not of the flesh. Pastor Yaciel Toledo. 13