Foundation and Purpose of Intercession

Chaired by Pastor Mathew, this discussion focused on the foundation and purpose of intercession within the life of the church. The goal was to equip intercessors with clarity, commitment and practical wisdom for standing in the gap.

The purpose of the intercession platform is to exalt the Lord. We must not spend excessive time exalting pastors publicly; we must exalt God. If God leads prayer towards pastors during meetings, that is acceptable, but the focus should always encourage everyone. Intercessors should also privately dedicate personal time, an hour or more, praying for their leaders.

Prayer leadership. Be prepared to lead powerful marathon prayers using scriptures from memory. Avoid simply reading scriptures; learn to release them effectively. Even a short ten-minute prayer session should carry impact and power.

Leadership development. During services, several people may be called upon to lead prayer. Intercessors should become comfortable standing before people and leading. Be prepared at any time to minister.

Word ministry. Always have a prepared word, a ready ten-minute sermon, and a word of encouragement. As the ministry grows, many people will begin leading, so intercessors must model readiness.

Areas of concern. Some intercessors only participate during the scheduled one-hour prayer session. Some have declined responsibilities to lead prayer. Participation and consistency need improvement.

Growth instructions. Join midnight to 3:00am prayer sessions for spiritual growth. Pray more than anyone else, because intercessors birth their calling through prayer. Pray for others more than you pray for yourself.

Availability for prayer slots. When assigned a prayer slot, ensure you are available and prepared. Avoid leading prayer while at work or driving. If unavailable, it is better to allow another person to lead. If your name is not on the rota but you are available at home, feel free to assist.

Heart posture. Pray because of your love for God, not because there is a leader present.

Add value to the Kingdom daily. Ask yourself: What am I doing in the house of God? Am I winning souls? Who am I sharing the Word with? Am I helping others? Encourage people by saying, "Jesus sent me to help you."

Use the materials and teachings given by the ministry. Exercise wisdom when sharing teachings from outside ministries. At this stage, focus on what is being taught within the church. Avoid quoting names of other ministers on the platform.

An intercessor is a fighter. Your duty is to stand in the gap and fight for the ministry. Spiritual attacks often target joy and happiness first. Scripture reminds us in the Book of Proverbs, "A merry heart does good like medicine." When joy is attacked, it can be a sign that the ministry itself is under attack. The enemy often attacks finances, peace and excitement.

Prophetic sensitivity. An intercessor should be prophetic. Be sensitive to things affecting the church, the congregants and the direction of the ministry.

Wisdom in revelation. Before sharing what God shows you about a person, pray first. Seek wisdom before speaking.

Intercessors multiply through prayer, scripture reading, and knowing when to release a word of knowledge.

Winning intercessors are strong intercessors. Not everything picked up in the spirit should immediately be taken to leadership. Pastor Mathew continues: pray first with fellow intercessors concerning what is being discerned.

Pray privately for pastors; they will feel the impact. If you receive dreams or prophetic insight regarding leadership, communicate appropriately.

Organize another intercession meeting for next week. Continue praying for ministry events, including the worship session with Minister Lorna and the service with Apostle Paul.

Pray for souls and services. Make a covenant with God. God descends at covenant altars. Further teaching on covenant altars will follow.

Intercessors should also be strong givers. Giving is part of strengthening spiritual life.

Father, in the mighty Name of Jesus, I thank You for Your sons and daughters. I declare blessings upon them. I declare that they are protected. Your anointing and covering are upon them. They are free from sicknesses and diseases. They are heavenly preserved and fortified. Doors for finances and ministry are opened. Doors for their intercessory ministry are opened. We pray for grace, hunger and desire. Let them not sleep until they pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen.