EVER INTERCEDING PRAYER LIFE BY DIANA BROWN
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ntercessory prayer is when we storm the Lord in the throne room of grace, seeking His intervention for a person or a situation. This type of prayer is not for a select group of “elite Christians,” rather, it is a call to all believers to pray, because our voice counts. If we are going to shine in this type of prayer, we must first recognize that we have an authority in the place of intercession that comes from Christ Himself.
The apostle Paul encourages us to intercede for Church members and ministers, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me (Paul), that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” (Ephesians 6:18-20 NIV)
Romans 8:33-34 (NIV) says, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Paul urges us “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV)
God gives us instructions to pray for others in the Bible. The apostle James tells us to “pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16 NIV)
As we develop an effective prayer life, it is important that we keep our relationship with God strong and uncluttered by sin and disobedience. We need always to come to the Lord with a contrite heart and begin our prayers with praise and confession. 35