School of Prayer of Intercession

 

OBJECTIVES

 

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

 

 Define revival.

 Explain how we can prepare for revival.

 Recognize when revival is needed.

 Identify evidences of a backslidden condition.

 Summarize Biblical principles of revival.

 Identify obstacles to revival.

 Explain how to use "God's revival plan" to intercede for revival.

 

KEY VERSE:

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and

pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear

from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(II Chronicles 7:14)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

One of the most important tasks of intercession is praying for revival.    In this chapter you will

learn the definition of revival, how to prepare for it, and how to recognize when it is needed.

You will also learn how to identify obstacles that hinder revival and how to intercede for it.

 

THE DEFINITION OF REVIVAL

 

First, let us examine what revival is not.    Revival is not just emotionalism. People respond

emotionally to revival, but emotions are just a part of the revival, they are not the revival.    True

revival will affect the whole man, however, including his emotions. Knowledge of facts never

moves men. Statistics on the number of deaths caused by alcoholic beverage never converts a

drunkard.    Figures on the increase of crime do not change criminals. The convicting power of

the Holy Spirit must touch a man both spiritually and emotionally to effect change.

 

Revival is not loud music and "hell-fire" preaching. It is not a campaign for new members to

increase attendance.    Church growth is a result of revival, but it is not the same as revival.

Revival is not evangelism. Evangelism is proclaiming the good news of the Gospel. Revival

precedes evangelism, for when dead believers are "revived," evangelism results.    Finally, revival

 56

 

is not just a series of special meetings...unless those special meetings are touched by the

sovereign move of God.

 

Revival is...

 

"A sovereign, extraordinary work of God through and in behalf of a people who

have learned and applied the principles revealed in the rhema Word of God

regarding revival."

 

Revival is sovereign, in that it cannot be produced by man. It is extraordinary, because it is a

special work of God.    A revival works within a group of people and in behalf of them. In order

to prepare for revival, we must apply the principles revealed in God's Word regarding revival.

Everything the Bible teaches about revival is the "rhema" or "specific" word of God on the

subject. We may also say that revival is:

 

-An awakening, revitalizing, restoring of God's people, a strengthening of those

things which remain.

 

-A return to consciousness or life. That which is revived becomes active and

flourishing again.

 

-The inrush of the Spirit into the body that has threatened to become a corpse.

 

-Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)

 

PREPARING FOR REVIVAL

 

We can compare preparation for revival to the task of farming. A farmer can sit around and pray

for a good harvest, but if he does not prepare the field, plant the seed, and water the crop, it will

not come.

 

Equally foolish is the farmer who thinks because he does his part in these tasks that harvest is

assured. It takes the sovereignty of God through rain, sunshine, and the proper weather patterns

to bring the crop to maturity.    The farmer works in cooperation with the principles of sowing

and reaping, seed time and harvest revealed in God's Word. God is still sovereign, for the rain,

sun, and proper weather patterns come from Him.

 

The same analogy may be used for revival. It is a sovereign move of God, but to "reap" revival,

we must prepare for it by following the principles revealed in God's Word.    Revival is the joint

move of the Spirit of God and the response of the people of God.

 

 

 

 

 57

 

 

WHEN REVIVAL IS NEEDED

 

Revival is always needed of course, but it is most necessary when a backslidden condition is

apparent. To understand backsliding, consider the example of Israel. Jeremiah called the

problems of Israel "backsliding" (Jeremiah 1:3-4). The Bible says:

 

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.    (Proverbs 14:14)

 

Turn to Jeremiah chapter 2.    You will note that Israel had...

 

-Determined God was not as important to them as He had formerly been

("I used to"....):    2:5

 

-Forgot the great things God did for them in former days: 2:6-7

 

-Even the religious leaders of Israel joined the backsliding hosts. The priests failed

to ask, "Where is the Lord?":    2:8

 

-With God crowded out of their lives, they turned to others things...in this case,

idols:    2:11-12; 27-28

 

-They forsook the true source of spiritual water and began to carve out cisterns

that could hold no water. They exchanged living water for stagnant water:    2:13

 

-They began to drift spiritually: 2:19

 

-They entered into a self-righteous condition: 2:22-23

 

-They justified themselves with excuses:    3:11

 

-They drew others into their corruption: 2:33-34

 

Backsliding is the sin of crowding God out and filling one's life with self.    It is described as a

pig going back to the mire and a dog returning to its vomit. (II Peter 2:21-22)

 

EVIDENCES OF A BACKSLIDDEN CONDITION

 

Here are some evidences of a backslidden condition. Examine your own heart and life as you

study this list. You are entering into a backslidden condition...

 

1. When prayer ceases to be a vital part of your life. It has been said that "revival delays

because prayer decays."

 

 58

 

2. When the quest for Biblical truth ceases and you become content with the knowledge you

have already acquired. This is not to say backsliders do not read the Bible.    Many of

them have habits of dutiful devotions, but while they read the words the knowledge

acquired is treated as facts and not applied to their lives.

 

3. When thoughts about eternal things cease to be regular and/or important.

 

4. When you pardon your sin with self-righteousness by saying "the Lord knows I am just

dust" or "that is the way I am."

 

5. When pointed spiritual discussions are an embarrassment and make you uncomfortable.

 

6. When things like recreation, sports, and entertainment become first in your life.

 

7. When you can indulge in sin without protest by your conscience.

 

8. When aspirations of Christ-like holiness are no longer dominant in your life.

 

9. When the acquisition of money and goods becomes dominant in your thinking.

 

10. When you can hear the Lord's name taken in vain, spiritual concerns mocked, and eternal

issues flippantly treated and not be moved to indignation and action.

 

11. When "worship" becomes a weariness.    Church services lose their excitement, you can

mouth religious songs and words without heart, there is no song in your heart, no praise

with the ring of joy.

 

12. When breaches of unity in the fellowship are of no concern to you.

 

13. When the slightest excuse seems sufficient to keep you from Christian service.

 

14. When your fleshly senses are out of control: You watch degrading movies and television,

listen to ungodly music, and read morally debilitating literature.

 

15. When you adjust happily to the world's lifestyle:    For examples, unpaid debts,

bankruptcy, lying, dishonesty, unkept appointments and promises, immodest styles of

dress, cheating your employer of a full day's work, etc.

 

16. When your lack of spiritual power no longer concerns you; there is no restless yearning

for more of God and His power in your life.

 

17. When your church has fallen into spiritual decline, the Word of God is    no longer

preached with power in your church and yet you are content.

 

 59

 

18. When the moral, political, spiritual, and economic conditions of the world and your

nation are of no concern to you.

 

19. When your heart is hard:    Your tears do not flow easily, you are uncaring, abrupt, etc.

You do not weep over the things which Jesus wept like a lost city, the spiritual condition

of man, the sorrows of others.

 

20. When you have lost your spiritual strength, and do not even realize it.

 

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF REVIVAL

 

Old Testament revivals yield Biblical principles that guide us in praying for revival.    No two

revivals are identical, but the following principles are evident in the Old Testament record:

 

1. Most Old Testament revivals were preceded by a time of deep spiritual decline and

despair.    When conditions are declining around you and you are tempted to despair,

rejoice instead...You may be on the brink of revival!

 

2. Each revival began in the heart of one man, who became the instrument God used to stir

others.    As God touches your heart with the fire of revival, you will fan the revival flame

in others.

 

3. Every Old Testament revival rested on the powerful proclamation of the Word of God.

The message of revival should focus on sin, Hell, and God's judgment not just power,

love, peace, and prosperity.    Consider the revival message of Moses (Deuteronomy

11:26-28); Samuel (I Samuel 7:3); Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:7-8); and Elijah (I Kings 18:21).

 

4. Repenting from sin always preceded revival:    Repentance included the destruction of

every idol and separation from the world.

 

5. There was a return to proper priorities including concern for others, keeping the Sabbath,

giving, prayer, and the Word of God.

 

6. There was a return to the genuine worship of God. This worship was not cold and formal

ritual, but an exciting, emotional response of the people to their Lord.

 

7. Every revival was followed by a time of productivity, prosperity, great joy, and gladness.

 

OBSTACLES TO REVIVAL

 

Here are some things that prevent the sovereign move of God in a church:

 

 

 

 60

 

 

 

LEADERSHIP HINDRANCES:

 

Leaders who do not preach and teach the Word of God in power hinder revival. Those who have

no prayer life, no Bible study program, no demonstration of power, and no passion for delivery of

the Word hinder revival. Those who control their congregations and quench the spirit of God also

hinder His sovereign move.

 

Leaders who do not really care for the sheep hinder revival. They do not lead the flock to the

green pastures and still waters necessary to revive them. Leaders who have lost their compassion

for a dying world hinder revival. Many do not recognize their responsibility to be the leaders in

revival (Joel 2:15-18).

 

CONGREGATIONAL HINDRANCES:

 

There can also be obstacles to revival in the congregation of God's people.    A congregation's

love of tradition interferes with revival. Revival and change are synonymous. God is orderly and

dependable, but He is also fresh and vital. He is not a traditionalist. If the church must run

according to traditions of men, it will run without the power and presence of God.

 

A congregation's love of formal order hinders revival. Michal, David's wife, condemned him

because of his emotional worship and was struck barren. A barren church loves formal order and

ritual. Love of brevity also hinders revival. We want God to send revival in the two hours we

designate to Him on Sunday morning.

 

Many congregations love comfortable truth.    They do not want to be confronted with the claims

of Christ upon them or preaching about sin and judgment. The truths necessary for revival are not

always comfortable.    Love of respect by others also hinders revival. Some congregations are

more concerned about "what people will think" than about what God thinks.

 

GENERAL HINDRANCES:

 

There are other hindrances which may be found in both leadership and the congregation.

Iniquity hinders revival, whether it be found in the man in the pew or the pulpit:

 

Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear

heavy, that it cannot hear (our pleas for revival)...

 

But your iniquities have separated between    you and your God, and your

sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.    (Isaiah 59:1-2)

 

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and

forsaketh them shall have mercy.    (Proverbs 28:13)

 61

 

 

An attitude of resignation that "these are the last days and we can only expect things to get worse

and worse" will hinder revival. Inattention to prayer and the Word, refusing to humble self, and

refusing to seek the Lord all hinder revival.    Limiting God hinders His sovereign move in our

midst:

 

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

(Psalms 78:41)

 

And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

(Matthew 13:58)

 

Indifference prevents revival. People become indifferent to the claims of Christ and to the needs

of others. Insensitivity to our spiritual condition and to the moving of God's Spirit also hinders

revival.

 

GOD'S REVIVAL PLAN

 

Each of the hindrances we have discussed can be eliminated through intercession because revival

comes in response to prayer. Here is how to pray for revival:

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and

pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear

from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(II Chronicles 7:14)

 

Many important principles of revival are contained in this verse. First, note that God is speaking

to His people ("If my people"). He is not talking to sinners, the world, or just anyone in general.

God is talking to His people who are "called by His name."    Here is what God's people must do

if they are to experience revival:

 

1. "HUMBLE THEMSELVES":

 

To humble yourself is to bring yourself low before God (study Leviticus 26:40-41). This

humbling includes humbling yourself before God (II Chronicles 34:1-13); His Word (II

Chronicles 34:14-28); and His people (II Chronicles 34:29-33).

 

2. "PRAY":

 

You are to pray specific prayers of (1) seeking God and (2) turning from your wicked ways. We

often "have not" because we "ask not" or we ask amiss. We should ask God to revive us and pray

specific prayers of confession and repentance to prepare our hearts for the move of His Spirit.

 

 

 62

 

3. "SEEK MY FACE":

 

The phrase "seeking God" is used in the following Old Testament passages:

 

Exodus 33:7; Deuteronomy 4:29; Ezra 8:22; II Samuel 12:16; 21:1; I Chronicles

16:10-11; II Chronicles 7:14; 11:16; 15:4; 20:4; Psalms 105:3-4; 24:6; 27:8;

40:17; 69:7; 70:5; Proverbs 28:5; Isaiah 51:1; Jeremiah 29:13; 50:4; Hosea 3:5;

5:6-7,15; 7:10; Daniel 9:3; Zephaniah 1:6; Zechariah 8:21; Malachi 3:1.

 

A review of these passages reveal that seeking the Lord involves:

 

 1.    Voluntarily and wholeheartedly turning to God.

 2.    An inner attitude of commitment to serve Him.

 3.    A decision to turn away from all evil.

 4.    A decision to fulfill His will.

 5.    A commitment to fervent prayer.

 

Seeking the Lord is the chief means of averting evil (Amos 5:4,14). It is the evidence of true

humility (Zephaniah 2:3). It is the basis for sensing the presence of God (Hosea 5:15). It brings

life (Amos 5:4-6) and it must be done wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:12-13).

 

4. "TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS":

 

Prayer and seeking God are not enough in themselves. They must be accompanied by true

repentance which is a change in direction. You must turn from your wicked ways towards God.

Repentance is the truth emphasized in all Biblical revivals. It is evident in every Old Testament

revival. The Church began with calls to repentance (Acts 2). The final call in the book of

Revelation is to repentance (Revelation 22:16).

 

Repentance is a gift from God that enables you to change the direction of your life (Acts 5:29-31;

11:15-18; II Timothy 2:22-26). All men are commanded to repent (Acts 17:30). It is God's will

that all repent (II Peter 3:9) and God works graciously to draw men to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Without repentance you will perish (Luke 13:3,5).    Jesus commanded that repentance and

remission of sins be preached in His name among all nations (Luke 24:47).

 

Repentance includes turning from sins of omission (things you do not do that you should);

commission (wrong things you do); and presumption (presuming by not seeking counsel from

God and sinning in the process). Repentance also includes turning from "dead works"

 

(Hebrews 6:1- 3). "Dead works" are any religious acts done to gain merit with God by human

effort.

 

Dead works can even include worship, tithing, and deeds of kindness. Worship must be in spirit

and truth or it is a dead work. Giving out of constraint, emotionalism, or because you are

 63

 

embarrassed to have the offering plate pass in front of you is a dead work. Deeds of kindness or

ministry done out of obligation or to receive glory are also dead works.

 

Any work which has no capacity to be made alive by the Spirit of God is a dead work. For

example, sharing the Gospel at all times and places to all men without regard to the prompting of

the Spirit of God may be casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6) and reproving a scorner in

vain (Proverbs 9:7-8). Any work which is done in the energy of the flesh and not in the power of

the Holy Spirit is a dead work.

 

You should constantly examine your spiritual condition, your motives, and methods of ministry

and repent of acts of omission, commission, presumption, and dead works.

 

SUMMARY:

 

Here is what you must do to prepare for revival:

 

 -Humble yourself

 -Pray

 -Seek God's face

 -Turn from your wicked ways

 

Here is what God will do in response:

 

 -"HEAR from Heaven": Respond

 -"FORGIVE their sin": Reconcile

 -"HEAL their land": Restore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 64

 

OBJECTIVES:

 

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

 

 Provide the Scriptural references for both versions of the model prayer.

 Explain why the Lord's prayer is actually a prayer of intercession.

 Recite the model prayer from memory.

 Use the model prayer as a guide for intercession.

 

KEY VERSES:

 

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.    Amen.

 (Matthew 6:9-13)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

There are two versions of what is called the "Lord's Prayer" or the "model prayer."    One is

recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and one in Luke 11:2-4.    Most Bible scholars agree that the

similarities between them justify regarding the two versions as forms of the same prayer rather

than different prayers.

 

Matthew's version was given when Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. The passage in the

book of Luke was given about two and a half years later when the disciples came to Jesus asking

Him to teach them to pray. During this interim period, the disciples watched Jesus pray and

witnessed the power that resulted from His prayer experiences.    This created in the Disciples a

yearning desire to learn to pray, so they asked their Master, "Teach us to pray."

 44

 

 

Jesus responded with the words of what has come to be called the "Lord's prayer":

 

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.    Amen.

 Matthew 6:9-13

 

A PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

 

When the disciples came to Jesus, they said "Teach us to pray," not "Teach us a prayer." Jesus

responded to their request by using a method commonly employed by the Jewish rabbis.    The

rabbis often listed certain topics of truth, then under each point provided a complete outline.

 

In this model prayer, Jesus used this same teaching pattern. He gave topics and instructed, "After

this manner, therefore, pray."    "After this manner, therefore, pray" (houtos oun in the Greek text)

means "pray along these lines." Jesus did not command His followers to repeat the prayer word

for word, but rather to pray "after this manner."

 

His prayer began with the plural possessive pronominal adjective "our." Further in the prayer we

see statements like "give us," "lead us," and "forgive us." In every sense, the model prayer is an

intercessory prayer because you pray for others as well as yourself.

 

ANALYSIS OF THE PRAYER

 

The following is a brief analysis of this model intercessory prayer:

 

OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN:

 

The words " Our Father" indicate nearness, but the words "in Heaven" imply distance.    Psalms

139 reveals, however, that God is everywhere. When we pray to "Our Father in Heaven," it does

not emphasize the distance between us and the Father, but it immediately brings us from the

natural world to a powerful spiritual plane.    It assures us that God has at His disposal the entire

resources of the supernatural realm with which to respond to the requests presented in the

remainder of the model prayer. When we pray "Our Father in Heaven,"    we are immediately

 45

 

linked through Christ with a supernatural God with unlimited supernatural resources that can be

used in intercessory prayer.

 

HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME:

 

When we become members of God's family, our Heavenly Father's name is given to us just as a

child who is adopted in the natural world assumes the name of his new Dad. Our spiritual

adoption gives us the right to call God "Father" and receive all the benefits associated with His

Name because we are now heirs of our Father's Kingdom.

 

God's name is not just an identification label but it is an expression of His nature and identity.

When we say "Hallowed be Your Name" we proclaim the person, power, and authority of God.

When you pray for others, you can use these names to intercede for God to work in their lives.

Here is an example:

 

"I pray for my wife, that you will be Jehovah-shalom to her.    I pray that you will

be her Jehovah-jireh, providing her every need this day.    Jehovah-nissi, I pray

that your banner will reign over her life.    I pray that as Jehovah-m'kaddesh you

will sanctify her this day... (etc.)"

 

The following list identifies the seven compound names of God and their meanings:

 

NAME MEANING REFERENCE

 

Jehovah-tsidkenu Jehovah Our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

Jehovah-m'kaddesh Jehovah Who Sanctifies Exodus 31:13

 

Jehovah-shalom Jehovah Is Peace Judges 6:24

Jehovah-shammah Jehovah Is There Ezekiel 48:35

 

Jehovah-rophe Jehovah Heals Exodus 15:26

 

Jehovah-jireh Jehovah My Provider Genesis 22:14

 

Jehovah-nissi Jehovah My Banner Exodus 17:15

Jehovah-rohi Jehovah My Shepherd Psalms 23:1

 

 

YOUR KINGDOM COME:

 

In Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic the "Kingdom" of God refers to the kingship, sovereignty, reign,

or ruling activity of God. It is the expression of God's nature in action.

 

 

 46

 

God's realm of operation can be viewed in terms of its inclusive universal organization as the

Kingdom of God; its local visible organization as the Church through which the Kingdom is

extended; and individuals of which the Kingdom is composed, that is, all true believers born into

this Kingdom.

 

Sometime in the future the Kingdom of God will be established in visible form. We do not know

the exact timing of this (Acts 1:7), but according to the Word of God it is certain. All the

"kingdoms of the world" will become the property of God, the evil Kingdom of Satan will be

defeated, and our King will reign forever (Revelation 11:15).

 

The centrality of the Kingdom message is clear in the New Testament record. It is mentioned

some 49 times in Matthew, 16 times in Mark, and 38 times in Luke. Jesus began His earthly

ministry by declaring the arrival of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). He ended His earthly ministry

by speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom (Acts 1:3). In between the beginning and end of

His earthly ministry, the emphasis was always on the Kingdom.    He was constantly declaring He

must preach its message in other places (Luke 4:43). Every parable of Jesus related to the

Kingdom and His life patterned its principles.

 

Jesus indicated that we, as believers, were to give similar emphasis to the Kingdom:

 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these

things shall be added to you. "    (Matthew 6:33)

 

This verse indicates where we should focus our praying, preaching, teaching, and living.    It

should all be targeted on the Kingdom of God.    If we "seek first the Kingdom," it assures the

answer to the other petitions that follow in the model prayer.

 

Praying "Your Kingdom Come" is more than a prayer for the return of Jesus and establishing of

the Kingdom in its final form. When we pray "Your Kingdom Come," we are actually declaring

that our Father will reign in the lives of believers, unbelievers, and the entire earth. We are

interceding that God will be acknowledged as King and that life here on earth may be regulated

by His commands.

 

When we say the words "Your Kingdom come" we are actually asking God to remove anything

that is in rebellion against His Kingdom, including words, attitudes, desires, behavior, etc., in

ourselves and others.

 

YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN:

 

In Greek there are two words used for the word "will" in reference to God. One word is

"boulema”. This word refers to God's sovereign will which is His predetermined plan for

everything that happens in the universe. This type of    "God's will" is fulfilled regardless of

decisions made by man. It is His master plan for the world and God is at work in the world to

bring to pass all things on the basis of His sovereign will:

 47

 

 

 

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according

to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His

will. (Ephesians 1:11)

 

The "boulema" will of God does not require the cooperation of man. In the "boulema" will of

God, the outcome is predetermined.    The "boulema" will of God is written in His Word and is

quite clear. There is no need to seek this will of God because it is revealed in the Bible.

 

The other word for God's will is "thelema" and it refers to His individual plan or will for

each man and woman.    In order for God to fulfill His "thelema" will, it requires man's

cooperation.    People have the power to choose whether or not they will walk in the "thelema"

will of God.    When you pray "Your will be done" over yourself or another person, you are

interceding for that "thelema" will of God to be done.

 

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD:

 

In the model prayer, we seek first the Kingdom when we declare "Your Kingdom come" over

every circumstance in our lives. We submit in righteousness to our Heavenly Father's will,

declaring "Your will be done." Now we can pray with assurance, "Give us this day our daily

bread," asking that our needs be met to enable us to fulfill His will and extend His Kingdom.

 

"Give us" acknowledges that God is our source, not a denomination or a company pay check.

The Greek word translated "daily" in this model prayer, occurs nowhere else in the Bible. It

means "necessary or essential bread, sufficient for our sustenance and support." Its use in this

context confirms that the model prayer Jesus taught is to be prayed each day.

 

The prayer is for "bread" which indicates both spiritual and material sustenance. The word "us"

denotes that we intercede for this "daily bread" of provision for others as well as ourselves.

 

AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS:

 

We must learn to both receive and give forgiveness for our own personal offenses and injustices

caused to us by others. Personal offenses occur when you offend God through your own sin.

You deal with it by asking Him to forgive you when you say, "Forgive us our debts." The Bible

declares:

 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to

cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)

 

When you confess your known sin, God forgives your unknown sin as well as what you have

confessed, cleansing you from all unrighteousness.

 48

 

 

 

The second area in which forgiveness must be manifested is in forgiving others of direct and

indirect offenses.    A direct offense occurs when you are offended by someone. Indirect offenses

are when someone hurts a friend or relative and you take up their offense. Jesus taught that we

were to deal with such misdeeds by praying "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

 

The literal rending of this verse in Greek is "as we forgave our debtors." Thus the verse could

read, "Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven others." The idea is that before we ever seek

forgiveness for our sins against God, we are to have already forgiven those who have sinned

against us. Jesus taught this principle in the parable of the unjust servant in Matthew 18:22-35.

This story illustrates that God's forgiveness precedes human forgiveness. Human forgiveness is a

reflection of God's forgiveness, and God's forgiveness becomes real for us only when we are

willing to forgive one another.

 

Jesus summarized these truths when He declared:

 

"...If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in

heaven may also forgive your trespasses.    But if you do not forgive, neither

will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25)

 

Satan causes offenses in your family, between friends, in your business relationships, and in your

church. The Bible states "offenses will come" (Matthew 18:7). How will you deal with these

issues when they arise? Will you intercede about them in prayer or just talk about them through

gossip?

 

AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION,

BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE:

 

Jesus taught us to pray, "Do not lead us into temptation," but James indicates God does not tempt

man:

 

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot

be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

 (James 1:13)

 

So who is the tempter to whom Jesus is referring? The Bible clearly reveals that this is the role of

our enemy, Satan (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). The Scriptures repeatedly warn of

temptations which come from the devil (Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5).

The Bible explains that...

 

...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is

full-grown, brings forth death.    (James 1:14-15)

 49

 

 

Satan is the tempter, but we are drawn into his snare when we allow our fleshly desires to entice

us.    Such desires birth sin, and sin results in death. Some of Satan's attacks arise from

uncontrolled evil passions from within, while other temptations come from without through our

senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, touching, and tasting.    Whatever their source, the Apostle Paul

assures us:

 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God

is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be

able to bear it.    (I Corinthians 10:13)

 

When we pray, "Do not lead us into temptation," we are asking God to preserve us from the

enticement to sin. Even Jesus was not delivered from temptation, but was preserved in it

(Hebrews 4:15). The Apostle John assures us:

 

We know (absolutely) that any one born of God does not (deliberately and

knowingly) practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God

carefully watches over and protects him-Christ's divine presence within him

preserves him against the evil-and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a

grip) on him or touch (him).    (I John 5:18 Amplified Version)

 

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul provides detailed information about the evil one and the

spiritual armor which God provides for our defense. Paul emphatically declares we should be

strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and stand boldly in the face of these evil forces

(Ephesians 6:10,11,13). He decrees that it is possible to stand against every wile    (deceit,

cunning, craftiness) of the devil. Paul admonishes that we should war a good warfare (I Timothy

1:18), fight an effective fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12), and battle intelligently with purpose (I

Corinthians 9:26).

 

Paul emphasizes that the battle is not a natural one and natural weapons are ineffective.

Spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons:

 

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,

 

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the

breastplate    of righteousness,    and having shod your feet with the

preparation of the gospel of peace,

 

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all

the fiery darts of the wicked one.

 

 

 50

 

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the

word of God.

 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful

to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the

saints...(Ephesians 6:13-18)

 

The purpose of the armor is to be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy, Satan.    Paul

commands you to "put on" this spiritual armor which means it is your responsibility to

appropriate what God has provided. To "put on" means you take hold of something and apply it

to yourself. Here is how to do it as you intercede each day for yourself and others:

 

Armor Declaration Promise To Opposite

 To Make Claim Spirit To Bind

 

Loins girded Jesus, John 14:6 Deception

with truth You are my truth.

 

Breastplate of  Jesus, II Corinthians 5:21 Unrighteousness

righteousness You are my righteousness.

 

Feet shod with Jesus, Philippians 4:13 Lethargy

the preparation You are my readiness.

of the Gospel

 

The shield Jesus, Galatians 2:20 Unbelief, doubt

of faith You are my faith.

 

Helmet of Jesus, Hebrews 5:9 Vain imaginations

salvation You are my salvation. Evil thoughts

 

Sword of the Jesus, John 1:14 Lies of Satan

Spirit (Word You are my living Word.

 

FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER:

 

The word "for" indicates the authority by which the model prayer has been prayed. It means

"because" the kingdom, power, and glory belong to God, we can claim the provisions, promises,

and protection of this prayer. When we arrive at this final portion of the model prayer and declare

"Yours is the Kingdom," we are coming into agreement with everything God says about His

Kingdom:

 

"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the

kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

 51

 

 

It is His Kingdom, but as heirs, it is our Kingdom also. It is a legacy conferred by our Father and

it pleases Him to give it to us.

 

The word for power is "dunamis" from which the English words "dynamic" and "dynamite

come."      When we end our prayer with "Yours is the power," we are acknowledging the

dynamic power of God with its dynamite-like potential for fulfilling our petitions. When we

declare, "Yours is the power," God echoes back to us the words of Jesus, "I give you power over

all the power of the enemy." This assures an answer to all you have interceded for in the model

prayer.

 

We then declare, "Yours is the glory!" "Glory" is one of the richest words of the English

language. No single word can serve as a good synonym, but here are some words that describe it:

Honor, praise, splendor, radiance, power, exaltation, worthiness, likeness, beauty, renown, and

rank. Jesus said:

 

"And the glory which you gave Me, I have given them that they may be one

just as We are one." (John 17:22)

 

The same glory with which Jesus was glorified by the Father is a gift to you. All you have to do

is claim it. You should be going from "glory to glory" not from defeat to defeat. You may be

discouraged and despondent and feel cold and lifeless spiritually, but the Word of the Lord to you

today is...

 

Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept

you; rise to a new life.    Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord; for your

light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

(Isaiah 60:1-2, The Amplified Version)

 

God's glory guarantees:

 

 -Provision: Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16

 -Strength: Colossians 1:11

 -Joy: Isaiah 66:5; 1 Peter 1:8; II Chronicles 16:10

 -Liberty: Isaiah 60:1

 -Rest: Isaiah 11:10

 -Sanctification: Exodus 29:43

 -Unity with other believers: John 17:22

 

This word means exactly what it says..."forever" that is "eternal, having no end."    As you

conclude your prayer, you are ascribing the Kingdom, power and glory to your Father...forever.

You are linking yourself in an eternal bond with your Father because you are acknowledging that

you share in His Kingdom, power, and glory.

 

 52

 

AMEN:

 

When we use the word "Amen," it seals our prayer with powerful authority because "Amen" is

one of the names of Christ (Revelation 3:14).    Christ is called the "Amen of God," for all of

God's promises are fulfilled in Him.    When we say "Amen" it means we have prayed all our

petitions in the name of Jesus.

 

The word "Amen" does not mean "over and out...I'm done praying!"    The meaning of this word

is, "Even so, as I have prayed it, even so shall it be done," so when you say "Amen" you are

actually making a declaration of faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 53

 

OBJECTIVES:

 

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

 

 Identify the spiritual resources for intercession, including:

 Delegated power and authority.

 Binding and loosing.

 The Name of Jesus.

 The Blood of Jesus.

 Fasting.

 Use these spiritual resources in intercession.

 

KEY VERSE:

 

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and

authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.    (Luke 9:1)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

God has provided tremendous spiritual resources for this ministry of intercession to which we are

called.    In this lesson you will learn how to use these resources which include delegated power

and authority, binding and loosing, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus and fasting.

 

DELEGATED POWER AND AUTHORITY

 

When we intercede in prayer we actually battle with our enemy, Satan,    for the souls of men and

women, boys and girls, for nations, and spiritual and political leaders.    We do not do this in our

own ability or strength, but on the basis of the spiritual power and authority delegated to us by

Jesus:

 

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and

authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.    (Luke 9:1)

 

There is a difference between authority and power. Consider the example of a policeman. He has

a badge and a uniform which are symbols of his authority. His authority comes because of the

position he holds with the government. Since not all people respect that authority, the policeman

also carries a weapon and that weapon is his power. Your authority over the enemy comes

through Jesus Christ and your position in Him as a believer. Your power over the enemy comes

 16

 

through the Holy Spirit:

 

And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the

city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

(Luke 24:49)

 

Like the policeman, you must have both authority and power to be effective in intercession, for

you are actually doing spiritual battle with Satan. Believers receive authority through the new

birth experience and their position in Christ but some never go on to receive the power of the

Holy Spirit which must be combined with authority to intercede effectively.

 

Satan has limited power, but he has no authority.    Jesus gave us both power and authority over

all the power of the enemy. The power Jesus gave is directed power to be used for specific

purposes in intercession:

 

POWER OVER THE ENEMY:

 

You have authority to intercede in prayer for those who need healing and deliverance:

 

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and

authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.    (Luke 9:1)

 

POWER OVER SIN:

 

You have authority to intercede for those who need salvation:

 

Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever

sins ye retain, they are retained.    (John 20:23)

 

POWER TO EXTEND THE GOSPEL:

 

You have authority to pray for laborers to extend the Gospel:

 

Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers

are few.    Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into

His harvest." (Matthew 9:37)

 

BINDING AND LOOSING

 

The term "to bind" originates from the Hebrew word asar meaning "to bind, imprison, tie,

gird, to harness."    The word occurs approximately 70 times in the Hebrew Old Testament and

was often used to indicate the tying up of horses and donkeys (II Kings 7:10).

 

The remarks of Jesus in Matthew 12:28-29 are of great significance.

 17

 

 

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has

come upon you.

 

Or else how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods,

unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

(Matthew 12:28-29)

 

It is impossible to take the possessions of the strong man without first of all binding the strong

man. Jesus, in speaking of the strong man, is referring to Satan. Those possessions which are to

be taken from him are his most prized possessions of all, lost individuals enslaved by him,

including those who are "demonized."

 

Jesus gave believers the power to bind and loose:

 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever

thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou

shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.

 (Matthew 16:19)

 

Jesus taught the importance of binding evil spirits before casting them out, but the principle of

binding and loosing extends to more than casting out demons. You can bind the power of the

enemy to work in your life, home, community, and church fellowship. You can loose men and

women from the bondage of sin, depression, and discouragement of the enemy.    In every

situation...every problem, every challenge...there is a spiritual key. That key is binding and

loosing through intercessory prayer.

 

THE NAME OF JESUS

 

The Name of Jesus is the authority upon which we intercede.    Jesus promised:

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.    (John 14:14)

 

...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my

name, He will give it you.    (John 16:23)

 

And these signs shall follow them that believe, IN MY NAME shall they cast

out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

 

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not

hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 (Mark 16:17-18)

 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in

Heaven and in earth.

 18

 

 

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;

 

Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you;

and, lo,    I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

(Matthew 28:18-20)

 

You are to pray, preach, teach, baptize, cast out demons, heal the sick, and overcome every

power of the enemy through the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is more powerful than any

other name:

 

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every

name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

(Ephesians 1:21)

 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is

above every name;

 

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and

things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory

of God the Father.    (Philippians 2:9-11)

 

THE BLOOD OF JESUS

 

The blood of Jesus is another powerful spiritual resource that enables us to intercede.    It is

through His blood that we have access to God the Father:

 

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of

Jesus,

 

By a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that

is His flesh,

 

And having a High Priest over the house of God.

 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our

hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure

water.

 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who

promised is faithful.    (Hebrews 10:19-23)

 19

 

 

The "Holiest" is the place where God dwells.    We do not access God's presence by religious

ritual or complicated procedures. We access it by the blood of Jesus Christ.

 

The subject of blood is a scarlet thread that runs throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to

Revelation.    The Bible teaches that the life of man and beasts is in the blood (Leviticus

17:11,14). Because the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23) and since life is in the blood, God

established the principle that forgiveness of sins comes only through the shedding of blood:

 

And according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and

without shedding of blood there is no remission (from sin).

 (Hebrews 9:22)

 

God made the first blood sacrifice in the Garden of Eden after the sin of Adam and Eve when He

killed animals and clothed the couple in skins which were representative of the righteousness of

Christ.    The importance of the blood sacrifice is emphasized through the story of Cain and Abel,

the covenant of circumcision with the Israelites and the Levitical ceremonies in the tabernacle.

In the Old Testament the blood of animals was offered as sacrifice repeatedly whenever man

sinned.    Hebrews 8 details this process and describes it as the "old covenant."

 

In the New Testament God sent Jesus to shed His blood for sin once and for all. His blood is

described as the "new covenant" (Mark 14:24) and He is the mediator of this new covenant

(Hebrews 8:6). This made the old covenant obsolete, meaning it is no longer necessary that the

blood of animals be offered as a sacrifice for sin:

 

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered in

the most holy place once for all, having obtained ETERNAL redemption.

(Hebrews 9:12)

 

Hebrews 12:24 indicates that the blood of Jesus speaks for us and what it confesses provides

valuable eternal benefits for us. When Paul directs us to "hold fast our confession" (Hebrews

10:22), it relates back to the previous verses which indicates we have the right to draw near to the

Holiest.

 

You enter God's presence in prayer the same way you are saved, by confessing the benefits of the

blood of Jesus:

 

...If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart

that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth

confession is made to salvation.    (Romans 10:9-10)

 

 

 20

 

God acts in response to your confession which has authority because it is based on the testimony

of the blood of Jesus. The blood declares that you can enter right now into the most holy place

where God dwells and minister through intercession.

 

FASTING

 

Another spiritual resource for effective intercession is fasting. Fasting, in the most simple

definition, is going without food. Fasting is one of the things that approves us as ministers of

God (II Corinthians 6:3-10). Prayer with fasting was practiced in the early Church (Acts 14:23)

and Paul encourages us to "give ourselves" to it (I Corinthians 7:5).

 

TYPES OF FASTS:

 

According to the Bible there are two types of fasts. The total fast is when you do not eat or drink

at all. An example of this is found in Acts 9:9. The partial fast is when the diet is restricted. An

example of this is in Daniel 10:3.

 

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FASTING:

 

-Abraham's servant fasted while seeking the right bride for Isaac (Genesis 24:33).

 

-Moses fasted for 40 days and nights while receiving the revelations of the law and the tabernacle

(Exodus 34).

 

-Hannah fasted for a child (11 Samuel 1:7-8).

 

-Nehemiah fasted for the restoration of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).

 

-The Jews fasted for deliverance following Haman's evil decree of death (Esther 4).

 

-The entire city of Ninevah fasted in response to Jonah's call for repentance (Jonah 3:5-10).

 

-David fasted just prior to assuming his God-given destiny as King of Israel (I Samuel 31).

 

-Daniel fasted for 21 days and at the conclusion received the message from God that launched the

turning point for the Hebrews in captivity.

 

-Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast prior to battle (2 Chronicles 20:3).

 

-Ezra called a fast of repentance for the exiles by the river Ahava (Ezra 8-9).

 

-Jesus fasted prior to entering His ministry (Matthew 4).

 

-The Apostle Paul fasted after his conversion (Acts 9).

 21

 

 

-It was during a time of fasting that Peter received his commission to share the Gospel with the

Gentiles and Cornelius was prepared to receive the revelation (Acts 10).

 

-The disciples were fasting and praying when the Holy Spirit separated Paul and Barnabas for

missionary service (Acts 13:2).

 

THE PURPOSES OF FASTING:

 

Fasting does not change God. It changes you. God relates to you on the basis of your relationship

to Him. When you change, then the way God deals with you is affected.    You do not fast to

change God because God does not change. Fasting does change how He deals with you.    Read

the book of Jonah for an example of this in the city of Ninevah.

 

On one occasion when the Disciples of Jesus failed to bring help to a demon possessed

youngster, Jesus explained that "this kind" came out only by fasting and prayer (Mark 9:29).

There are certain situations in life which you cannot face apart from prayer and fasting. More and

more as the end time approaches, we will encounter "this kind" of situations, critical dilemmas

we have never before experienced. Our victory over "this kind" will necessitate fasting.

 

There are definite spiritual purposes for fasting. It is important that you understand these

purposes. If you fast for the wrong reasons or with no specific purpose, the fast will be

ineffective. Study each of the following references. They reveal that people fasted:

 

-In response to a message from God: Jonah 3:5

-During times of wilderness testing: Luke 4:1

-During the threat of national calamity or war: II Chronicles 20:3

-When revelation was needed from God: Daniel 9:3-4

-When making decisions: Acts 13:2-3

-When making special requests before authorities: Esther 4:16

-To prepare for confrontation with demonic activity: Mark 9:29

-To humble one's self: Psalms 35:13; 69:10

-To repent of sin: Joel 2:12

-To feed the poor, both physically and spiritually: Isaiah 58:7

-To be heard of God: II Samuel 12:16,22; Jonah 3:5,10

-To loose bands of wickedness, lift heavy burdens,

set the oppressed free, and break every bondage: Isaiah 58:6

 

LENGTH OF THE FAST:

 

How long you fast depends upon what God speaks into your spirit. He may lead you to fast a

brief or lengthy time. Remember the story of Esau and Jacob? Jacob was originally making a

meal for himself but denied himself in order to obtain the birthright. How much better if Esau

had fasted that meal!

 22

 

 

If you have never fasted begin by fasting one meal. Next you might want to try fasting from

sundown one day to sundown the next night. Then you might increase your fasting to more

lengthy periods of time. You should always drink water on long fasts. You can go without food

for long periods, but water is needed to maintain bodily functions.

 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FASTING:

 

Fasting is a personal matter between an individual and God.    It is to be done in private and not

boasted about:

 

Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for

they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.    Verily I

say unto you, they have their reward.

 

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

 

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret

and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

(Matthew 6:16-18)

 

Leaders may call a public fast and request the whole church fellowship to fast:

 

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.

(Joel 2:15)

 

GOD'S CHOSEN FAST:

 

Isaiah 58 describes God's "chosen" or divinely approved fast. God's chosen fast is one:

 

 -Where you humble yourself before God: Verse 5

 -To loose the bonds of wickedness: Verse 6

 -Which undoes heavy burdens: Verse 6

 -That frees the oppressed: Verse 6

 -Done with unselfish motives and manifested charity: Verse 7

 

THE RESULTS OF FASTING:

 

When you fast, the first thing that happens is that God begins to reveal Himself to you.    The

Father says, "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, `Here

am I'" (Isaiah 58:9).    Other results of fasting itemized in Isaiah 58 are:

 

 

 

 23

 

-Illumination: Verses 8 and 10 declare that the dark periods of your life will

become like noonday.    When others think they have extinguished your spiritual

light, it will rise again and break forth like the morning.

 

-Direction: Verse 11 promises that    "the Lord will guide you continually."

 

-Provision: Verse 11 declares God will "satisfy your soul in drought."    (This can

apply to both material and spiritually lean times.) Verse 11 also describes

unlimited spiritual resources. You will be like a "well watered garden," and "a

spring of water whose waters do not fail."

 

-Rejuvenation: Verse 11 declares God will "strengthen your bones" and verse 8

proclaims that "your healing shall spring forth speedily."

 

-Restoration: Verse 12 indicates that you and your spiritual seed "shall build the

old waste places...raise up the foundations of many generations...And you shall be

called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In."

 

RESOURCES FOR INTERCESSION

 

The believer has powerful spiritual resources to enable effective intercession.    As you have

learned in this chapter, these include:

 

 -Delegated power and authority.

 -Binding and loosing.

 -The Name of Jesus.

 -The Blood of Jesus.

 -Fasting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 24