“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness, it sustained him.” (Isa. 59:16)
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the 2 LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” (Isaiah 62:6-7)
This is one secret of supernatural power for supernatural growth that very many leaders are overwhelmingly ignorant of. It is largely neglected and unused, and most times unknown.
Furthermore, many pastors and leaders cannot easily come to terms with this topic. They see it as somewhat degrading and uncalled for. They look down on such teaching as demeaning to the exalted office of the minister. This is much farther from the truth and reality Pastors and leaders need to be interceded for. Though everyone needs intercession, yet the need for it by pastors and Christian leaders transcend that of everyone for obvious reasons.
There are many areas of help for the leaders today but that of prayer of in transcends them all. Pastors are Joshua in the battle field; they need Aaron and Hur to lift their hands-Exo 17-8-15
1. It is biblical Concept-Acts 12:5;1 Thess. 5:15; Rom. 15:30; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:3, 2; 2 Thess. 3:1-2; Philemon 22.
From the above passages we see clearly the concept of intercession for leaders in the Bible Peter was saved through the prayers of others, and Paul always asks specifically for intercession believing that his deliverance from prison will be made possible by it, pastors of today equally need intercession to deliver them from myriads of problems they found themselves. If it was help to leaders in the past, then it will be of immense help to leaders today.
2. Challenges of intercession for leaders
- Communicates love
- Assurance of being wanted
- More ministry effectiveness
- Assuages doubt and fear
- Gives boldness and courage
- Supplement pastors’ prayer life
- Motivates and inspire
- Enables one to go the extra mile
- Assurance of protection and coverage
- Further impetus for grater ministry
- Avoiding many mistakes and failings
- Salvation from dryness and tiredness
- Personal Prayer Partners
- Paul had Euodias and Syntyche – Phil 4:2.3
- Finney had father Nash
- Billy Graham had Pearl Goode and 40 people
- Moody had praying invalid
- Peter Wagner had 19 people
- Lamentation of Jimmy Swaggart
- John Maxwell had 100 people
- A pastor had his mother and her friend
- Elizabeth Dabney prayed for her husband
- Redeemed Christian church had 12
Why don’t we employ its benefits?
- Ignorance
- Messiah status
- Fear
- Spiritual pride
- Over humility
3. Reasons why pastors need intercession
- Pastors have more responsibility and accountability-Jam. 3:1
- Pastors are more subject to temptation Mat. 26:31; Mark. 14:27
- Pastors have more influence on others
- Pastor are more targeted by spiritual power
- Pastor need more emotional and encouragement supports.
Three levels of intercessions
- 1-3 Intercessors:
This is the casual “pray for me” salutation among Christians and they can casually remember the minister once in a while.
- 1-2 Intercessors:
These people who are contacted and agree to spend 15 minutes a day in prayer for the minister. There is not too much closeness here
- 1-1 Intercessors:
This is the most important level, full time intercessors agreeing to spend several hours everyday praying for the minister and his ministry. They could be employed full time or they could do it at their leisure.
On must hasten to add that women are more visible in this ministry than men. The gift of intercession seems to be more prevalent among women, so don’t be afraid to find women there in your church and engage them in the ministry. The 1-1 intercessors have a close relationship, while the 1-2 have casual relationship and the 1-3 intercessors have remote relationship with the pastor.
Recommended Reading
PRAYER & SPIRITUAL WARFARE: MUST FOR PRAYER PARTNERS
Biblical Stewardship: Managing Time, Talents, and Treasures for God
PRINCIPLES OF SUPERNATURAL SPEED: Open Heaven – New!
4. Employing prayer partners
Moving into action demand that you ask from God to give you prayer partners. Not those who are willing to pray or might be praying for you and
Prayce And Spiritual Warfar
make contact with them. We must be slow and cautions to avoid blatant mistakes. We must watch out for those who will want to become our prayer partners out of selfish motives of:
- Boosting or bragging
- Seeking control
- Seduction and lust
- Sentimentalism
- Personal emotional needs
Rather these are the qualities we should look for and demand in intercessors:
- Humility
- Submission to authority
- Gift if intercession
- Obedience to God
- Dependence on the body of Christ
- Close relationship with God
- Receiving form the Lord
- Quiet people
- Holding the pastor in high esteem
- Open communication
- Genuine holiness of heart and life
- Confidentiality
People with such qualification should be recruited and trained for the ministry. They are to decide either to be 1-1; 1-2 or 1-3 intercessors. The 1-1 Intercessors must be encouraged and information shared. Maintain them by praying for them and encouraging them in whatever way possible. Intercessors may change roles and many more be added as time goes on but pray and seek guidance form the Lord.
“No matter how well you pay your pastor, praise him or work for him, it is only through earnest, strategic prayer that you can ever really help him be an effective minister in the hands of the Almighty God”. Willy Bruce.