|
RUSSELL SANDERS
11-18-2021
PRAYING IN TONGUES – LESSON 4
INTERCESSION
We saw yesterday the benefit of many hours of praying in the Spirit (tongues) as we “bank” our prayers in heaven’s storehouse to be released at the time of need. Jude verse 20 also shows us it builds us up in our faith and anointing.
Today we look at another aspect: intercessory prayer. This is earnest prayer for a person, a group, a nation, a type of ministry, or a particular situation. It is targeted prayer.
When we are impressed to pray in this manner – let’s say for example, a certain person, we will pray to the need or situation initially according to our own understanding (if any). Then we will continue to pray for that person (or situation) in tongues. The reason we need to do this is because our knowledge or understanding of matters is limited. God has far deeper knowledge of the related matters than we do. Holy Spirit knows all of that and therefore knows how to pray specifically in ways we cannot know. Holy Spirit then directs our spiritual language (tongues) so as to address the matters that we cannot know on our own.
Intercessory prayer comes to people in two particular ways. The first, and probably most common, occurs with any believer as they pray much in tongues. You may be impressed (the thoughts of your mind) to pray earnestly for a person, situation, or other “target.” Or you may be impressed to pray earnestly (passionately) without any particular knowledge of “who or why.” It is important to follow that impression.
The second way is in being called into a ministry of intercession. Oftentimes, their intercessory prayer burden targets a particular theme. That theme could be for salvation for the lost souls of the world, or for a particular country, a certain type of ministry, the government leaders, or any number of prayer targets. These are the people known as (or called) intercessors.
Not everyone is called to be an intercessor. However, every believer can engage in intercession. It is very important in advancing God’s Kingdom purposes and in supporting other people and the church.
When you are deep in prayer, you sometimes may not even consciously realize that you are interceding, but it does go forth into heavenly realms to accomplish its work.
Set aside time for your “prayer closet,” a time that will have no distractions. Spend much time there. Enter the throne room. Pray much. Do it in tongues if you are Spirit-filled. If you are not Spirit-filled, spend the time in prayer anyway; it is still effective within your understanding.
Missed some of Russell's messages? Click here to read
| 
