Are you called to intercession? [Archive]

Marie

06-02-2003, 01:53 PM

I am glad you brought this up. I am also an intersessor. It can be frightening. When I was first called, I had not heard about intersessory prayer. It really scared me! When I would pray, I would often end up wailing and groaning. Never having seen or heard of this, I was afraid to tell anyone what was happening because I was afraid they were going to tell me I had a demon or something! I am ashamed to say that I let life get me to the place where I could hardly pray:cry: :cry: I pretty nearly gave up last fall. Then I would look at the girls and the children and know that I had to keep going! After this, nearly every time I prayed, (which wasn't often enough) I would be weeping and groaning within minutes, but not to the depths I once reached, except for once or twice. God is so faithful! And so full of mercy! This last couple of weeks, I feel the presence of God constantly and am able to pray "without ceasing" throughout the day again.:) Then yesterday, I felt the call so strong it was all I could do to wait till the preaching was over so I could go to the alter. Jesus is reviving our church! He is so Awesome! There have been people in the alters who have not been there for a long time and others who are also intercessors that are being restored! I long to tell you all about what God is doing! He has showed me some things in prayer that make me want to weep and dance and shout just thinking about it!:cry: But, I have to go. There are little ones to care for. :)

Renee29

06-02-2003, 03:05 PM

Maire,

I totally understand what you are talking about. Most of the time when I pray it's moaning, groaning, screaming or tongues. Somtimes I worried that something was wrong with me and the devil would mock me. I would be praying and I could hear him saying, "You're not doing anything, You're just making noise." Oftentimes I feel embrassed at church prayer because I'm always groaning or sobbing and I worry that people will think I'm "showing off." For this reason, I cover my face with my hands (or lay flat on my face) and muffle the noise a little. I don't like it when people comment on my prayer. Like "Man, you were really sobbing, do you always pray like that?" I know they don't mean anything by it, but it makes me feel self-concious.

ddc101

06-02-2003, 05:45 PM

Just keep praying Sister Renee until Christ be formed in you.
The church gives birth in the Spirit realm.Sometimes the pangs are very intense.I prefer to take this kind of prayer to the prayer room or a private place.If visitors hear the travail they will be scared to death.I know one church that does this publically and runs folks off.We need to be sensitive as sometimes we are moved on in the service to intercede in a certain way but it feels differently than the hollaring and screaming birth prayer.We can tell because it will be divers tongue at work and all the intercessors will be moved on at once.It sounds like a symphony of prayer going up.Totally awesome.But we have to remember the Spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet and the scripture that says let everything be done decently and in order.Whereas if our pastor comes to us and tells us to refrain
we must obey and take it to the prayer room.lv sis.c

Renee29

06-02-2003, 06:15 PM

Sister,

You bring up a good point......the sound of travailing could run people off....our Pastor has never asked us to refrain and in fact we do it in front of everyone. We are a home missions church and do not have a prayer room.

Jillian

06-02-2003, 07:35 PM

I love this topic. I too am an intercessor. God gave this to me one night in a tent revival. The man of God had a prayer line. We were to bring photos, items whatever to be prayed over . Anyone we wanted prayer for. The minute my feet hit that prayer line I felt the burden of prayer as I never had, it stayed with me till the last one was prayed for. As it ended I felt it lift as if a blanket had been lifted.
I was so knew in the Lord I did not understand what was happening, But I just yeilded to it.
Sister ddc I could have wrote your post... (no 1093) This was exactly how I felt. I was always the first at the church to pray. I would get upset with folks for not entering in to the prayer rooms... :-) You are such a blessing ddc
At the time our church was just starting and there were not any othere quite like me, but God sent some in. I begin to pray for some to come in, some that prayed as I did, because I too felt their was something wrong with me because no one else seemed to pray this intensly.( it is awful how we will listen to the eneny)
I am so glad this thread was started because I am sure there are new babes in Christ called to interceed and they do not quite understand it.
I do remember I recieved a prophecy once before this happened that I had a trevailing spirit. At the time I wasn't sure what he meant. I came to know. Isn't the Lord so good. He's a mighty God......God bless

ddc101

06-03-2003, 08:29 AM

Hi Sisters,
Well we are home missions also and we have a prayer area for the ladies and one for the men but we have early morning prayer
and one day I am going to have a prayer room for intercessors separate from the others.I want to call it Annas Room.Where they can come to the church and pray day or night or spend the whole day or night in prayer alone with God.He can do anything.
Yes travail does scare new people.That is why we need to be wise.The word says He that winneth souls is wise.We need to let the soulwinning wisdom of God work in us.Through much prayer we learn to be sensitive to the Spirit of God and know when he tugs us and says....turn it off!!!!!
Heres a story for you:
God sends intercessors on assignment.Once he moved us with my husbands job to a new city.The church there had not seen a soul receive the Holy Ghost in two years.There was no prayer room and everyone prayed in the sanctuary.But only about two women really got to the altar.Everyone else just talked.I could not stand this so I found a sunday school room and with pastors okay I prayed there.Then I began to invite sisters to join me.Pretty soon one brought little lamps and night lights.We began to have a devil stomping prayer meeting.The Lord showed me this revivial starts in the prayer room.He also told me he brought me here specifically to pray although we were involved in
pulpit ministry and other areas.So I prayed.Then one day before service a lady came into the room.I never assumed she did not have the Holy Ghost.She looked like all the others.Her hair was up and she was dressed for church and she was kneeling in prayer.One of the sisters retrieved me out of my corner down on the floor under the chair on my face postion.She ask me to pray for this lady.I went over and began to pray for God to give her a blessing.The same way I would have gotten down on any of the ladies in prayer...you know the clinch...well she began to speak in other tongues and I began to prophecy over her and tell her to not sit in the back of the church.We were all shouting and singing and dancing.It was a genuine ruckus.We all went out into the church and guess what? dead....you could have heard a pin drop.The pastor had a look on his faith like get ready I am angry.Because we were late for service as we never noticed how long it took.Well we came storming out and all sat on the front two pews.I began to wave a small note.The pastor said....Oh..ALL Right...bring it up.....Then the look on his face changed....This was the first soul in two years and it started in the ladies prayer room....go intercessors go...This church changed totally.In fact God called the pastor somewhere else and a new one came and brought it to full revival.They totally remodeled and are looking to build I hear.He brought ministries into the church and great things began to happen.lv sis.c

ddc101

06-03-2003, 08:31 AM

By the way that lady with the white hair was not pentecostal.
She was Church of Christ.She became my next home bible study and became the Churches intercessor for about seven years.Also she is an avid studier of the Word and teaches Bible Study in the community.lv sis.c

NanaRenan

04-02-2004, 09:24 PM

...is Intercession a "gift of the Spirit" only given to some or is it something anyone can work towards?

Educate me, please.

Azalee2829

04-06-2004, 06:00 PM

:angel: Intercession is a special calling upon a persons life.
I thought I would start a thread so some of you who are used this way can ask questions and or discuss some of your experiences in intercessions.This has always been my first and formost calling.I also feel compelled to early morning prayer and always have been happier and more productive when I obey the Lord and submit to this call.lv sis.c
I am so glad that God is using me in intercession. I have been so blessed.
The Holy Spirit speaks to my spirit to lead me into prayer for another person.
Just like the other day when the Lord laid onto my heart to pray for my best
friend for a need and when she called me on the phone she said that what I
prayed for was exactly what her friend prayed with her for on the phone.
She told me that I confirmed that because God answered what she was
praying for. A appointment at a hospital for tests that they told her she
could not get until June. Praise the Lord, God opened the door for a earlier
appointment in 2 weeks.

survivor4christ

04-07-2004, 12:37 AM

Whoever rehashed this thread...

Thank you!

Up until now, I can say that God moves on me to pray for situations and people. But to say that I am called to intercession, I don't know. It is possible, I suppose. I do pray. And I feel the burdens of others, and pray. I may not always pray as others would like me to or in the manner they think I should. Sometimes I am wordy, sometimes I am in travail, sometimes I cry, sometimes I moan, sometimes I speak in tongues, other times in English....

Then there are other times when I just say, "Lord, Do it!" And He does! "Jesus Help me.." "Lord, heal my baby..." "Jesus, minister to that sister...help that brother..." And He answers those prayers, too.

But when I travail, I love to travail. It is not laborious to me. It is the most natural, or rather supernatural, thing in the world for me to do.

Is that a call???? :shrug:

Love, Sis. Wenona

Sis. Cooper...thanx for your last post...it helped me a lot!

Luv~N~Jesus

04-07-2004, 12:43 AM

I also have been chosen to intercede, to stand in the gap so to speak, for others in need. I also do not understand all about it, but I would like to share with you how I knew the Lord had this in store for me, to pray earnestly for the lost and the sick and the oppressed.

One night during services a visiting preacher came and he ministered during his testimony to me with the gift of knowledge. He told me the Lord was going to use me in a mighty way and that I needed to come and be annointed and prayed over to receive what the Lord had for me. So, I went up for prayer. Insantly I began to tremble and I felt the Lord take me out in the Spirit and I saw a terrible/wonderful vision. I saw a woman who had a child in her arms and she was weeping uncontrollable. He was dead. She was running around and then she saw Jesus. She held him out to Jesus, just bawling, not saying a word. And I saw Jesus touch this child's head and he opened his eyes. Not a word was ever spoken in my vision. But the child was healed and I saw her sorrow turn instantly into joy and such gratitude. I then sort of came to myself and I was on the other side of the church holding on tightly to a very tall sound system speaker, weeping and snorting all over the place! I mean, I was crying like NEVER before. I was moaning and making all kinds of deep sounds and it shocked me! I was literally scared. I didn't know what had happened and How I got from the altar to the speaker, on the floor crying uncontrollably and didn't know what I had done in between, but many people were on the floor on thier faces when I came to crying as I was and praying earnesty for the sinners. I had no idea what had just took place and for a moment thought it was even *wrong*.... I told the whole congregation what I had seen, and then the pastor spoke to me about how the Lord showed him that I was to intercede for the lost. For the sick and for those the devil has oppressed. I KNEW this was right. I felt this womans pain, and in my heart, my soul, I literally bore that burden for her, adn it was so very heavy. I have learned a little about how to bear another's burden like that night. It never has been that strong since, but very close at times, when I begin to pray for people's children that are lost. For those dying of sickness, for those that are in so much bondage. I am able somehow since they prayed for me to enter in to that. I can't explain it, it just happens, and I'm so thankful that the Lord does use me in that way. I would like to learn more about it. I also need to know if others that intercede sometimes get a heavy burden and find it hard to know what to do about it. Sometimes it takes a long long time before I feel a release. Somtimes I literally feel like I'm giving birth and it at times takes an unusual amout of labor. Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I'm not praying the right things..

ddc101

04-07-2004, 06:18 AM

...is Intercession a "gift of the Spirit" only given to some or is it something anyone can work towards?

Educate me, please.

Sister Pam,
there are those who are called to sigh and cry.Those who are called to be intercessors.They love to pray more than anyone else.If you ask them what the local church could use they will always say that the church doesn't pray enough.They are the ones whom the Lord allows to see the Pastors weaknesses.If they are submitted to the call and doing their job there is no problem but if they are not they are overly critical of the ministry.
Those of you who are called to intercede remain committed and submitted.Enjoy this calling.It is a wonderful ministry.lv sis.c

ddc101

04-07-2004, 06:20 AM

Sister Wenona asked:
But when I travail, I love to travail. It is not laborious to me. It is the most natural, or rather supernatural, thing in the world for me to do.

Is that a call????

Yes sister it is a call.You feel the Lords burden and allow him to use you as a vessel.
When I pray like this I often pray that Jesus will pray through me for his purpose.He knows who needs the freedom from bondage somewhere in the world.It can flow freely or be laborous just as childbirth can either be easy or hard depending on the birth situation.lv sis.c

ddc101

04-07-2004, 06:23 AM

Luv-N-Jesus,
you ask:
Sometimes it takes a long long time before I feel a release. Somtimes I literally feel like I'm giving birth and it at times takes an unusual amout of labor. Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I'm not praying the right things..
__________________
It depends on who and what the Lord is doing by the sacrifice of your travail.
You are not doing anything wrong.In fact this is not unusual.Some souls have a harder passage than others and some need much deliverance from the enemy.lv sis.c

Jillian

04-08-2004, 11:55 PM

An intercessors greatest blessing is being in prayer for someone else. When I know I have truly been at the feet of Jesus is when I have carried a burden for another. I love to get happy, I love to shout, I have been slain in the spirit and it was a tremendous blessing. But I am happiest when I am labouring for another. That I could not live without. Then I know I am about my fathers buisness.

I think we need more teaching and discussion on this topic. I have found there are a lot of people that do not understand it. A lot does not know what trevailing prayer is, I don't think it is seen a lot in the churches anymore. When I first recieved the baptism of the holyghost an evangelist spoke a word of knowledge to me, he told me I had a trevailing spirit. I did not know at the time what he meant, I was soon to learn..... Thank the Lord for his gifts.

We have a young girl in our church that will be an intercessor, I can see it on her. She just doesn't know it yet. Isn't it exciting to serve the Lord........ :)

ddc101

04-09-2004, 12:06 AM

Amen Sister Jillian.I love nothing better than to be in a red hot prayer meeting with intercessors.They know how to stoke the flame.lv sis.c

Renee29

04-09-2004, 01:43 AM

God has just called me to be an intercessor in the past year or two. I have to admit that I seem to fight being an intercessor. The prayer does come naturally, but it is so draining emtionally. I literally feel like I'm carrying someone else's pain and burden like it was happening to me.

Felicity

04-09-2004, 11:27 AM

I can certainly identify with you about intercession Renee'. It's the burden that's so heavy that takes so much out of you. One well known UPC pastor once told me to make sure that I end a session of travailing, intercessory prayer with praise and worship.

I know what it is to feel like I was going to drown in the passion and love and burden for the lost. At one point I just thought I couldn't handle it anymore. It took so much out of me and I'd feel so drained when I finished praying.

One very sad thing is that so many in the church don't recognize intercessory, travailing prayer anymore. Someone who's travailing in prayer is gathered round and prayed for for deliverance. :rolleyes: It used to be that saints in the church recognized it for what it was.

ddc101

04-09-2004, 01:33 PM

Amen Sister Felicity,
I went to La camp a few years back and one pastors wife who is well known(no names) kept trying to get me to shout.I simply had to stop and tell her...
"Sister I am usually a shouter...please let me receive this burden." She didn't like that too much but I was in travail and needed to be.lv sis.c

SisEdith

04-09-2004, 03:15 PM

Times of intercession come and go for some.For the intercessor whom it is their call it never leaves.You feel prayer is the most important thing.They are the people in church who feels the church does not pray enough.These are the people who hold a deep burden for the ministry of the church.They are the first ones at early morning or all night prayer meetings.You just know you are called to do this.I did not receive a prophetic word about it myself but I feel drawn to pray all the time and want to pray more than doing anything else.lv sis.c
I am called to be an intercessor also. The Lord called me to be the Prayer Ministry Director. I am very new to this and I believe the Lord is leading me slowly. Prayer is my life, my burden is the church body and the ministry. I also do not feel that my church prays enough, it is such a burden. Any insight into this ministry would be helpful to me.

I also am under attack all the time.

Felicity

04-09-2004, 03:18 PM

Excuse me ..... but what do you mean by "under attack all the time"?

SisEdith

04-09-2004, 03:44 PM

Excuse me ..... but what do you mean by "under attack all the time"?

It means what it means. I thought everyone would understand...sorry.

Satan tries to stop us from praying, he will do anything to get our focus off of praying. The more you pray for the Church, the more attacks you will have in your personal life, family, friends, work. darts! Fireballs..

Felicity

04-09-2004, 03:53 PM

Renee29

04-09-2004, 04:27 PM

I thought that was what you meant. :)

Just wanted to make sure before I went on to say I don't think it's necessarily true that just because we're intercessors or prayer warriors that we're attacked more than anyone else.

AMEN Felicity! I'm not doubting anyone's expeirences, however, I get so tired of intercessors telling me how much they are attacked and they have it worse than everybody else.....

I think I've been attacked WAY MORE since I've been a music minister as opposed to a prayer warrrior. But I'm sure this is not true for everyone. Maybe I'm not praying enough to be attacked!

ddc101

04-09-2004, 11:54 PM

AMEN Felicity! I'm not doubting anyone's expeirences, however, I get so tired of intercessors telling me how much they are attacked and they have it worse than everybody else....blah, blah, blah.

I think I've been attacked WAY MORE since I've been a music minister as opposed to a prayer warrrior. But I'm sure this is not true for everyone.

Let me say this Sister Renee29.Any ministry is a cause for the enemy to attack you.Whether it be music or intercession.He hates it when we are productive because it infringes upon his territory.
The thing I know for sure is that in the music ministry many times the spiritual attacks are happening as you sing and worship.I have been playing the keyboard and had a spirit stand right in front of me and scream cursings at me.Boy was it hard to praise and worship and keep playing then.

Be ready for war but don't forget to use the Word to war.Prayer is good but prayer alone is not enough.We must use our sword.Pray the word.lv sis.c

Renee29

04-10-2004, 12:16 AM

Let me say this Sister Renee29.Any ministry is a cause for the enemy to attack you.Whether it be music or intercession.He hates it when we are productive because it infringes upon his territory.
The thing I know for sure is that in the music ministry many times the spiritual attacks are happening as you sing and worship.I have been playing the keyboard and had a spirit stand right in front of me and scream cursings at me.Boy was it hard to praise and worship and keep playing then.

Be ready for war but don't forget to use the Word to war.Prayer is good but prayer alone is not enough.We must use our sword.Pray the word.lv sis.c

Okay, kind of freaky. I haven't had a spirit stand directly in front of my while I'm playing (not that I know of) but on a few occasions, I look out into the congregation and see spirits. It's hard to explain, but one time I saw a spirit of pornography, not to long after that, my Pastor preached on that exact subject.

ddc101

04-10-2004, 12:41 AM

Okay, kind of freaky. I haven't had a spirit stand directly in front of my while I'm playing (not that I know of) but on a few occasions, I look out into the congregation and see spirits. It's hard to explain, but one time I saw a spirit of pornography, not to long after that, my Pastor preached on that exact subject.

Sister it was in a service that had alot of sinners and some backsliders in attendance.The enemy was angry with me for helping to loose the bonds of Idolatry.When people are worshipping the one True God it makes satan mad.lv sis.c

survivor4christ

04-10-2004, 01:01 AM

:nt: That's amazing to me that while one is seeking to get in the presence of God that the enemy is so brazen to get up in your face like that....

I know that a lot of times in praise and worship a heaviness tries to encompass me and stop me from praising and worshipping my God. I hate it! I just get into it with more intensity! That devil ain't gonna keep me outta the presence of God!

I wish more people would understand how important it is to Praise and worship God....I look out in the audience and wonder why some people even bothered to show up. They are not trying to give God praise and glory at all; they look that they are angry to be there!

Go figure! ;)

Now, back to our regularly scheduled discussion! :)

Love,

Sis. Wenona

Jabez

11-03-2006, 11:10 PM

Mike Newport

11-03-2006, 11:35 PM

Mike Newport

11-03-2006, 11:40 PM

I'm sorry, I absolutely did not know this was in the Ladies section. I just realized that. Maybe there can be a thread like this in the General section. There probably already is. I haven't been posting lately..m

ddc101

11-04-2006, 02:36 AM

Its alright Brother.This is a nongenderal topic.
Its also my favorite subject.lv sis.c:yeah:

genuine4life

11-04-2006, 08:23 AM

Great topic!

I have felt burdened from the time I was a child. I just "knew" things in the spirit world. Lots of things happened to distract me between that time and where I am now.

I used to be in the music ministry. About three years ago, I stopped playing. At that time, I was in service, and I felt like God told me "I have a higher calling for you. It is a calling that is out of the limelight. It is a gloryless calling. No one will ever know what you have done. But it is an important calling. I want you to interceed, and I'm going to answer your prayers."

I have struggled with prayer time. I can't seem to get myself down to pray. When I do though, things happen. I feel burdens constantly that I pray about throughout the day. I can't count the number of times that I've "known" things about someone, and it was true. Some good, some bad. One time, I knew about something in the church through a dream. I started interceeding, the next service, the pastor preached on it. At that time, I knew that God had laid it on other people in the church too. I'm not the only one interceeding.

It's scary sometimes to carry this burden, but OH when it lifts! What shouting and worship comes forth!

Recently, I have had a burden for a friend and her husband. Both are unbelievers. I have been interceeding for them. My children and me and my husband have been fighting actual spirits in our home. My husband is not a believer, and he is the one who brought up the fact that we must be in a spiritual battle. This happens every time I interceed.

I was starting to get discouraged, but now I am encouraged! I must be doing something right, or the devil wouldn't be so mad!:yeah:

P.S. I don't know any intercessors who are prideful about it. Everyone that I can think of are very humble and loving.

genuine4life

11-04-2006, 08:26 AM

Oh, and right after I heard God speak to me, I visited another church in the area.

The pastor prayed for me and told me that God wanted me to be an intercessor.:cool:

I must say that I have fallen short of where I should be. This thread has renewed my burden to pray more.

Thanks!

ddc101

11-04-2006, 10:51 AM

I could cry reading that.The flesh hates to submit to the toil that intercession takes but the things that move out of the way are amazing.

I want to share that I have lately been praying that the Lord dispatch angels for particular reasons.I have seen things move out of our way that have been hindering for some time.:yeah: lv sis.c

lovedbyHim

11-04-2006, 11:23 AM

This is going to sound so dumb, I know....but I've read every post on this subject and I still have to ask.....what is intercessory prayer? I've never heard of this in my life, and don't have a single clue what that means.

As far as praying goes.....sometimes I have a hard time praying through. I've always had a hard time concentrating on anything, I've had this problem my whole life, and so I really feel this is the reason it's so hard for me to pray through. I do pray through occasionally and speak in tongues but it takes forever, and I get sidetracked, and something breaks my concentration. Sometimes I feel like I try to hard, but sometimes I feel like I don't try hard enough. I can pray through in my house in my room when I'm all alone easier than I can at church. Sometimes I feel distracted. There are times it's not as difficult for me, but most of the time I struggle with praying through.

genuine4life

11-04-2006, 11:24 AM

I've never seen angels, but I've felt them.:cool:

Sis.Cooper, have you struggled with your mouth? :icon_laug Sorry, I guess that didn't come out right. Let me put it another way!

It seems like I struggle with my mouth. It's hard for me to just keep my mouth shut when God tells me something. Most of the time, he doesn't want me to share it, just pray about it. The hardest part of intercession, for me personally, is the temptation to steal the glory. It's all about GOD, not me. Everytime I tell someone, it takes away from what God is trying to do.

I think it's fine to testify about what God's done in some cases, but for the most part, it should be between you and God, only to be told in individual cases as the spirit moves.

sk8rmom

11-04-2006, 11:53 AM

Do you think that intecessory prayer involves a spirit of knowledge? Sometimes perhaps?
Many times we never know exactly what or whom we are praying for other than pray for a specific 'thing'. Other times it is just a submission to God and work/walk/pray where He leads.

I know that the things I have had revealed to me sometimes are frightening and even so strange that I thought 'O.K. I must bumped my head while 'in the spirit' and now I'm imagining things'. At least, that's what I first thought. Now after nearly 20 years of those type of experiences, I just stand still and wait for the Lord to show me how to respond.

Does anyone else have this happen to them?

Mike Newport

11-04-2006, 02:01 PM

Its alright Brother.This is a nongenderal topic.
Its also my favorite subject.lv sis.c:yeah:It's not like I totally stopped of course, but it needs to be what it was, even better, of course...m

Jabez

11-04-2006, 04:57 PM

I know for sure that I have been used many times as an intercessor. I don't take this lightly at all. I know that it is God and not me. I dropped the ball about 5 years ago. I also quit fasting about this time, due to a medical issue I have. I guess I was being effective, so I was attacked. I really don't know what else to think about it. But, that shouldn't be used as an excuse. I know what I've (we've) been through, and it has not been easy at all. I'm still alive, thank God. Without trying to sound egotistical, because I know better, I'm on my way back. Frankly, it's because of a decision and a made up mind, and I know God is helping me. Thank God, He has been so merciful, because I promise you, I don't deserve it. Please pray for the Newport family once again. Michael, Heidi, Sean, James & Daniel. Thank you in advance to the saints of the Most High...m

I relate to what you say.
I'm seeking answers.. understanding.. I put on the armor of God which Paul encourages us to do, Jesus is my Saviour, the Lord of my life and He has baptised me with the Holy Spirit.. but... and I hate say this but of unbelief.. but the battle can be fierce and I get hurt and it causes me to draw back.. which is exactly what the enemy of our souls is trying to do.. I find it hard to separate and step back from the pain or what ever it is that the powers and principalitys send... in your case it was illness... For me I suppose its the flesh.. I don't like the pain. I need to deny the flesh and walk by the Spirit... then I read about the travailing which the sisters in this forum speak of and perhaps this is an element of the work of intercession which I need to know more about.. In your case you may know all about travailing and are searching for different answer from the Lord. Let us all persevere... His yoke is easy and His load is light... The Holy Spirit will teach us to pray.. I will pray for you and your family.. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful ! Blessings

Jabez

11-04-2006, 05:04 PM

It's not like I totally stopped of course, but it needs to be what it was, even better, of course...m

God is so good !!!
. . . but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings . . . —1 Peter 4:13
The Lord has a wonderful sense of humour... this is the verse in my daily reading (minutes after my previous post) You have to smile don't you :)

Jabez

11-04-2006, 05:09 PM

http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=11&day=05&year=06
it will bless you

ddc101

11-04-2006, 05:29 PM

Awesome Jabez.I really liked that thanks.
I read a book by a man who was a minister and member of the church Elder Brother Barnes pastored in Minden,La.His name was Jeff Ramsey I believe.Anyway the stuff he says about intercession is so awesome.I could see myself in that book.It was like a waking up and saying...hey this is me.Its awesome.I am going to search and post the link.lv sis.c

genuine4life

11-05-2006, 08:07 AM

In the Biblical sense, we are all called to be intercessors.

Everytime you pray, you are interceeding.

Jesus is always interceeding for us! Read Romans 8.

What I am referring to here is the overwhelming burden that comes over me sometimes. I can't rest until I've touched heaven for that need, or that person.

The prophets of old interceeded for the children of Isreal. They stood between the children of Isreal and judgement. Sometimes when I pray for someone, it feels like I am fighting all hell for them.

I have no power to help anyone. I can speak to Jesus on their behalf, and HE is the one who goes to the throne and gets an answer.

The Holy Ghost inside of me interceeds. I am just a willing vessel.

lovedbyHim

11-05-2006, 08:47 AM

This isn't mean to be rude or anything, but can anyone answer my question from page 3.....what is intercessory prayer? I really don't know.

genuine4life

11-05-2006, 01:29 PM

http://www.spirithome.com/prayintr.html

http://www.dianedew.com/interces.html

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0404.htm

I can't explain it very well. Hopefully these links will help. I didn't look around these sites, so read them with a grain of salt. I can't vouch for their doctrinal soundness.

ddc101

11-05-2006, 04:59 PM

This isn't mean to be rude or anything, but can anyone answer my question from page 3.....what is intercessory prayer? I really don't know.
Most intercessors who are called to this as a particular ministry are the people within the church who feel such a burden for souls and prayer is their life.Yes we are all called to pray but not all are called to this as a ministry.Some people pray their half hour or hour and thats it.Others can pray for five,six,eight or twelve and theres nothing to it.Thats when its a calling.I cannot describe all thats involved in one post but I am working on writing a book on it.You cannot learn everything from others.There are some things only God and experience can teach you.
Intercessors have the gift of divers tongues.And yes it is the Spirit of God praying through you for the needs of someone else.Its an awesome thing.You cannot make it happen it just does.
lv sis.c

lovedbyHim

11-05-2006, 08:13 PM

Most intercessors who are called to this as a particular ministry are the people within the church who feel such a burden for souls and prayer is their life.Yes we are all called to pray but not all are called to this as a ministry.Some people pray their half hour or hour and thats it.Others can pray for five,six,eight or twelve and theres nothing to it.Thats when its a calling.I cannot describe all thats involved in one post but I am working on writing a book on it.You cannot learn everything from others.There are some things only God and experience can teach you.
Intercessors have the gift of divers tongues.And yes it is the Spirit of God praying through you for the needs of someone else.Its an awesome thing.You cannot make it happen it just does.
lv sis.c

So it isn't the same as praying through in tongues for your own needs? Is it true (I've been asking around a bit about this since I have seen this discussion on here...I can't get many answers as many people don't know how to explain this) that intercessory prayer is like praying that God will allow you to personally take on some of the person's burden or pain so that some of the burden can be lifted from them? That is one explanation I got, but the person didn't seem too sure about that.

Jillian

11-05-2006, 10:17 PM

So it isn't the same as praying through in tongues for your own needs? Is it true (I've been asking around a bit about this since I have seen this discussion on here...I can't get many answers as many people don't know how to explain this) that intercessory prayer is like praying that God will allow you to personally take on some of the person's burden or pain so that some of the burden can be lifted from them? That is one explanation I got, but the person didn't seem too sure about that.

Intercessory prayer is when you are praying for another.

Intercessory prayer IS taking on that persons burden.

To intercede is to plead in favor of another.

Anytime we are praying for another we are interceding...BUT for the one that is given a calling to intercede it runs deeper.

You will find yourself in a place of trevail as you pray. I have prayed under the annointing and leading of the Holyghost to the point of being physically wore out. I have cried and prayed so hard my stomach becomes upset. It is a very humbling expeirence... The intercessor will feel such a burden for the one God has laid on their heart. They will almost always have a feeling
of what the need is.

It has already been said ..to the intercessor the very subject of prayer is foremost.
It is your heart!!!! If God does not give me a burden I feel as if I have failed.
To me it is the most important thing I can do, is to pray earnestly for another.

Intercession and Trevail go hand in hand... Butter to the bread.... Cream to the coffee...:) :spin:

God bless!!!! I love this subject!!!!!!!!

ddc101

11-05-2006, 10:34 PM

Oh so do I.Thank you Jesus.Intecession will cause you to pray for souls until they come to birth.lv sis.c

genuine4life

11-06-2006, 07:55 AM

lovedbyHim

11-06-2006, 08:37 AM

Intercessory prayer is when you are praying for another.

Intercessory prayer IS taking on that persons burden.

To intercede is to plead in favor of another.

Anytime we are praying for another we are interceding...BUT for the one that is given a calling to intercede it runs deeper.

You will find yourself in a place of trevail as you pray. I have prayed under the annointing and leading of the Holyghost to the point of being physically wore out. I have cried and prayed so hard my stomach becomes upset. It is a very humbling expeirence... The intercessor will feel such a burden for the one God has laid on their heart. They will almost always have a feeling
of what the need is.

It has already been said ..to the intercessor the very subject of prayer is foremost.
It is your heart!!!! If God does not give me a burden I feel as if I have failed.
To me it is the most important thing I can do, is to pray earnestly for another.

Intercession and Trevail go hand in hand... Butter to the bread.... Cream to the coffee...:) :spin:

God bless!!!! I love this subject!!!!!!!!

I pray for others frequently, but I have never felt this that you are describing. So I guess in answer to the original post........I am not called to intercession. How would I know if I was.....and how would I have known before this point considering I've just learned what it means? Anyway, I'm glad I know now and I also like this discussion. Thanks.

Jillian

11-06-2006, 09:58 AM

I pray for others frequently, but I have never felt this that you are describing. So I guess in answer to the original post........I am not called to intercession. How would I know if I was.....and how would I have known before this point considering I've just learned what it means? Anyway, I'm glad I know now and I also like this discussion. Thanks.

You would know because of what you feel.. Maybe not a clear explanation, I am not good with words.

What I mean is.. when you begin to pray you will begin to feel a burden, a sadness, a heaviness for a person or a situation. A very driving need to pray..
It is a very emotional expierence..For me it is a very overpowering expierence.

I had been in church and filled with the Holyghost about a year before I really had the expierence of trevail and intercession. Now don't get me wrong, I prayed for people, and that is intercession, but not like the other.

I was in a prayer line when the Lord begin to use me in this way, I did not understand it at all, and even begin to think I was crazy.. But I knew it was of God. Then one day I was praying for a lady with a heavy burden for her. During this prayer time I asked the Lord to please give me a weapon to fight for her, to help her win her battle. The Lord spoke so clearly to my mind
"You already have one" That is when it clicked with me, what was happening..

We all have different gifts & callings on our lives. We are a body working together. Continue to pray for others.. To intercede is to stand in the gap for another. We all can do that.

I will pray that you may expierence what we are speaking of. Paul said Covet earnestly the best gifts yet shew I unto you a more excellent way!! ! Cor. 12:31

Whatever gifts, and callings we possess are for the edifing of the church!!!!
Not of ourselves...

God Bless....

Mike Newport

11-06-2006, 06:17 PM

I relate to what you say.
I'm seeking answers.. understanding.. I put on the armor of God which Paul encourages us to do, Jesus is my Saviour, the Lord of my life and He has baptised me with the Holy Spirit.. but... and I hate say this but of unbelief.. but the battle can be fierce and I get hurt and it causes me to draw back.. which is exactly what the enemy of our souls is trying to do.. I find it hard to separate and step back from the pain or what ever it is that the powers and principalitys send... in your case it was illness... For me I suppose its the flesh.. I don't like the pain. I need to deny the flesh and walk by the Spirit... then I read about the travailing which the sisters in this forum speak of and perhaps this is an element of the work of intercession which I need to know more about.. In your case you may know all about travailing and are searching for different answer from the Lord. Let us all persevere... His yoke is easy and His load is light... The Holy Spirit will teach us to pray.. I will pray for you and your family.. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful ! BlessingsThankyou for both posts. I appreciate them. Mr. Mike is on the case...m

Jabez

11-06-2006, 07:03 PM

Beautifully put Jillian,
I agree it can take you totally by suprise. Some time ago I had been working late and when I finally got to bed feeling perfectly fine, a sudden great "sadness" came upon me.. I couldn't shake it off, couldn't stop weeping. It did seem illogical at the time, part of me was saying to myself, what's the matter with you ? nothing is wrong why are you crying ? It went on for perhaps an hour or so and then like a blink of a light it stopped and I felt perfectly happy and level again.. I did pray, but alas I didn't pray in intercession.. instead I was too concerned about myself !! Years later, a good friend told me about a dreadful time they had when they were living in another city. I checked my little book and the hours of their crisis matched the time of my burden.. I marvelled and the penny began to suddenly drop, It was the Lord and I didn't know it..... (heard that before ?) I mourn having wasted so much time in ignorance. The Lord teaches us many things in our present enviroment preparing us for any ministry... not just intercession.... trials of faith, trials to teach us to walk by the Spirit, that Christ may be manifest in us and not the old creation.. He uses events in our life to trust Him with, people we come across to love.... difficult people to love who treat us unjustly... for do we have rights anymore ? Our God is our defence, our reputation is in His hands, vengance is the Lords is it not? For years I fought the Lord's hand on me.. Instead of living in the Spirit I fought flesh and blood (the people in my enviroment) not realising I was being invited so tenderly by the Holy Ghost to die to self that His power would increase and I would decrease... That season struggling in ignorance against the precious Holy Spirit... my Teacher and my Comfortor... I felt I negated His glory, all those harsh words I spoke out to my friends about other people, I burn with shame, but in His infinite grace and compassion the Lord never gave up on me.. He persisted and finally I got a glimpse of His work in me. Don't think I walk by the Spirit all the time now sisters, that's not what I'm saying... I try to.. minute by minute... my understanding has increased but I fail many times.. it hurts to die to self... but the Lord is gracious.. He never gives up.. If things are particularly tough in our enviroment in this season, it may be producing wonderful fruit and glory to Jesus just down the road. I see part of our long preparation for Intercession in this verse from Peter.
1Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
The Lord is SO GOOD and He is Holy.. Yes amen.

Jabez

11-07-2006, 07:15 PM

Intercessory prayer is when you are praying for another.

Intercessory prayer IS taking on that persons burden.

To intercede is to plead in favor of another.

Anytime we are praying for another we are interceding...BUT for the one that is given a calling to intercede it runs deeper.

You will find yourself in a place of trevail as you pray. I have prayed under the annointing and leading of the Holyghost to the point of being physically wore out. I have cried and prayed so hard my stomach becomes upset. It is a very humbling expeirence... The intercessor will feel such a burden for the one God has laid on their heart. They will almost always have a feeling
of what the need is.

It has already been said ..to the intercessor the very subject of prayer is foremost.
It is your heart!!!! If God does not give me a burden I feel as if I have failed.
To me it is the most important thing I can do, is to pray earnestly for another.

Intercession and Trevail go hand in hand... Butter to the bread.... Cream to the coffee...:) :spin:

God bless!!!! I love this subject!!!!!!!!

my (online) daily reading is such a blessing.. its about intercessory prayer.. wow !
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=11&day=08&year=06

LvnGodly

11-07-2006, 08:27 PM

I'm so excited about finding this thread! I too am called to be an intercessor - wow the things one experiences in this calling sometimes makes a person wonder if they are going crazy. But when you know it's God doing the work you just learn to not say much to people who wouldn't understand. For example there are times I have physically gotten ill when interceeding for someone. And that feeling of heaviness almost described in symptoms like a depression that overwhelms us at times is actually just a deep call to prayer and intercession. Oh how many times I have missed it or walked away from it - I'm so glad that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance; meaning that he doesn't repent and take your gift or calling away. When you can feel and understand the emotions and burdens of another person sometimes even better than they can feel it themselves - wow what an awesome priviledge. In reading all of your posts I have found encouragement that I'm not alone in my experiences or my calling. THANK YOU for sharing.

Jabez

11-07-2006, 09:06 PM

thank you so much for sharing this... as you say, it is SUCH an encouragement...
as the Lord leads you, please keep encouraging us.. its so easy to get discouraged... a lot of negative stuff in the air these days.. sharing like you and others have, is like the rivers of living water flowing out to each one of us...
You are a blessing sister

lovedbyHim

11-07-2006, 09:18 PM

Jabez

11-07-2006, 10:54 PM

So when feeling a calling for intercessory prayer, do you suddenly feel down and depressed or ill and not know why? I mean, can things be going perfectly well in your life, but you just feel a heaviness that you have no other particular reason to feel? Then when you begin to pray do you feel God telling you that you are feeling these things because of a need for intercession in someone else's life?
I'm fascinated by this topic. I would like to learn more about it. At this point I don't believe I have a calling for this, but I would like to know more.

Its tricky sharing sometimes about our experiences as after all, what we share with others is mixed... it's coming from 'man' (or woman) . As we well know, what we read should be tested against the word of God.. and we always ask the Lord about our questions and ask Him about what interests us in His kingdom.. The truth is found in Him.. But.. and these are just my thoughts.. I don't belive the Lord would place a burden upon us that would destroy us. Intercession grows out of our relationship with God.. He works in our hearts, our new nature, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to pray and He also prays in us.. (isn't that amazing ! ) the Father searches our hearts to hear the prayer of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:27) Also, in our relationship with the Lord and our desire to pray for our brothers and sisters, we have liberty. (2 Cor 3:17) Listen to your spirit.. Look up to the Lord and say is this from You Lord... don't accept any depression or sickness put on you from the evil one. Put on the armor of God, make it your walk with God.. not just the words but what the words convey.. I hope this isn't too long, but I found this wonderful teaching intercession and prayer burdens on the Elijah.org website
http://www.elijah.org/perfecting/incesdex.htm
They are attempting to guide us as to how to recognise the move of the Spirit in our prayer life and to teach us to use our spiritual discernment.. I'm talking too much.. have a look at this and see what you think.
It says the teaching isn't for broadcast distribution and I'm not sure exactly what that means but for the sake of copyright please check out their webpage and weigh it all up. Personally, it gave me such joy... Bless you

LvnGodly

11-09-2006, 07:33 AM

Although I haven't read through all of the above mentioned link I have to say I like how they mention the difference between just being a prayer warrior and being an intercessor! It gives some good ideas for studying on your own as this is only an outline of what they used for a study - i'm sure it would have been more indepth discussion when they taught this; but what they have gives great food for thought and personal study.

Caasi

11-15-2006, 05:14 PM

What an awesome thread. Thank you, Sis. C, for starting this thread on such a beautiful topic.

Personally, I do not consider myself a called intercessor, however, I certainly have been used in intercessory prayer. I have also been used in what I would call "warfare prayer".

Sis. C, you describe it so beautifully. My best friend and prayer partner is an intercessor and she continually talks about the church not praying enough. I've been shopping in Wal-Mart with her when the tears would be welling up in her eyes because she felt the burden of prayer hit her. As someone else mentioned, she also gets embarrassed to pray in prayer meeting because she prays so intently.

The times I have been used in intercessory prayer, I have felt a physical heaviness on my chest. Others here have said they feel sickness, sadness or depression but that has not been my experience. I just feel this physical heaviness on my chest and the tears are right there, instantly.

I have felt the physical ramifications of intercession, however. Groanings which cannot be uttered is the best description in my opinion. I have got off my knees from a session of intercession and felt so physically drained, I didn't know if I had the strength to get up and go wherever I needed to go.

Warfare prayer is different. When I am led to pray in that manner, I feel a holy boldness that is almost indescribable. I feel like I could literally take the devil on in combat. My spirit gets so angry with him and I feel like if he walked in at that moment, I would cut him down quicker than he could blink. I've seen myself swinging the sword of the spirit at him and I've seen him reduced to rubble beneath the feet of God's army.

It's awesome. It's hard to describe. It's beautiful.

In closing I'll say, it's so refreshing to read this uplifting thread rather than one that bashes, gossips, backbites....you know what I mean?

Luvin' y'all.

Topaz

11-15-2006, 07:30 PM

So when feeling a calling for intercessory prayer, do you suddenly feel down and depressed or ill and not know why? I mean, can things be going perfectly well in your life, but you just feel a heaviness that you have no other particular reason to feel? Then when you begin to pray do you feel God telling you that you are feeling these things because of a need for intercession in someone else's life?
I'm fascinated by this topic. I would like to learn more about it. At this point I don't believe I have a calling for this, but I would like to know more.

It wasn't until recently that I had "re-heard" about intercessory prayer. And here I am just finding this thread. I am not sure if it is intercessory prayer or not, but for the last few days I have cried at the drop of a pin. It started 2 nights ago and I was starting to say prayers before I went to sleep and I started bawling like a baby...hard rasping sobs. Went for for about 3 hours. I went to sleep, then Boom..next morning there I am again. Last night, I felt like I was told why. As my sob's were flowing, I have the sensation of words coming to me...."you are crying the tears of your sister which is unable to cry at this time".....WOW that hit me. You see. My sister should be crying, but can't. Too much going on in her life to allow her to shed tears that need to be shed. Her husband is dying of cancer. As of tomorrow she has given her notice at her work to take a FMDL in order to stay with her husband. So many thing going on there. I had been feeling so helpless, what can I do for her, etc., ......And the tears keep flowing.
Whether this is intercessory or not.....it is a burden that I would like to have. I would rather to suffer the pain of others than for them to have to suffer.
My heart is so heavy

Jabez

11-15-2006, 08:02 PM

It wasn't until recently that I had "re-heard" about intercessory prayer. And here I am just finding this thread. I am not sure if it is intercessory prayer or not, but for the last few days I have cried at the drop of a pin. It started 2 nights ago and I was starting to say prayers before I went to sleep and I started bawling like a baby...hard rasping sobs. Went for for about 3 hours. I went to sleep, then Boom..next morning there I am again. Last night, I felt like I was told why. As my sob's were flowing, I have the sensation of words coming to me...."you are crying the tears of your sister which is unable to cry at this time".....WOW that hit me. You see. My sister should be crying, but can't. Too much going on in her life to allow her to shed tears that need to be shed. Her husband is dying of cancer. As of tomorrow she has given her notice at her work to take a FMDL in order to stay with her husband. So many thing going on there. I had been feeling so helpless, what can I do for her, etc., ......And the tears keep flowing.
Whether this is intercessory or not.....it is a burden that I would like to have. I would rather to suffer the pain of others than for them to have to suffer.
My heart is so heavy

I would definitely treat this as a call to intercede....
The Holy Spirit will lead you... love your sister and her family, deal with anything in your own life that needs dealing with ( if there is anything you will be aware of it) and PRAY ! I think its wonderful... you are blessed

Servant007

11-16-2006, 12:03 AM

That's it exactly Jillian. I couldn't find the words to explain it.:cool: It does feel as though you have taken on their burden. And yes, most of the time, I have an idea of what they're feeling, even though I don't know anything that is going on in their lives most of the time.

Intercession is exhausting, but it's a good exhaustion. It's hard work, but it's also thrilling when God lays several things on your heart, then a few days/weeks/months later, you find out that God did answer! It's all about others and their needs. God always meets my needs too when I pray for others.

I can Relate to the exact things that sis Jillian said also.....it's hard to explain something like this to someone who has never experienced it. But she put it well.

I can also say that sometimes when I am in deep travail and prayer for someone, even when I know NOTHING of the situation,(and thats usually the case), I have a deep groaning that I have only been able to liken to contractions or labor pains....though it's not as painful, just the same stomach contracting and exhaustion that sometimes doubles me over in prayer and it doesn't stop until I've prayed through about that need or person. Thats the only way I can explain it. And just like with real labor, it's hard when you're doing the fighting and praying, but when it's over the result is always Worth all the time you spent travailing.

God is Good and LORD knows we need all the intercessors we can get, I'm thankful for all the ones who have interceeded for me at times and who have been "silent" (in the flesh, but LOUD in the spirit) examples of how to carry this burden of intercession that God has called some of us to.

Blessings~