INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Chapter 3

Spiritual Resources For Intercession

The following are resources for intercession

1)Delegated Power and Authority: Believers have delegated power and authority from Jesus over all devils and to cure diseases, not from their own ability but through the Holy Spirit. This authority is essential for effective intercession.

Intercession against Spiritual Enemies: Intercession is described as battling against spiritual enemies like Satan, emphasizing that believers receive power through their belief and position in Christ.

This delegated power is to be used for specific purposes, including power over the enemy, interceding for healing and deliverance, and extending the Gospel by praying for laborers

The power of the Holy Spirit, combined with authority, is necessary for effective intercession.

2)Binding and Loosing: This refers to the spiritual authority given to believers, based on Matthew 16:19 and 18:18. It implies the power to “bind” evil spirits or negative influences and “loose” blessings or God’s will on earth, which will be recognized in heaven. This authority is exercised through prayer and declaration.

3)The Name of Jesus: This emphasizes the authority found in the name of Jesus, making it more powerful than any other name (Ephesians 1:21, Philippians 2:9-11). Believers intercede and perform acts like healing the sick and casting out demons through the authority of Jesus’ name.

4)The Blood of Jesus: Through His blood believers gain access to God the Father (Hebrews 10:19-23). It is the path to God’s presence in “The Holiest,” which is where God dwells. The blood also represents the principle that forgiveness of sin and eternal life are found through its shedding, as sin’s penalty is death.

Explanation of Blood in the Old and New Testaments

In the Old Testament, the shedding of animal blood served as a representative sacrifice for sin, particularly in the context of the Law and the covenant with Adam. Animals were offered as sacrifices when a man sinned. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes that Jesus Christ shed His blood once and for all to deliver humanity from sin, providing eternal redemption. Through His blood, believers can enter God’s presence in prayer and are saved by confessing their faith in the power of His blood.

5) Fasting

Fasting is abstaining from food, and it is an approved practice for ministers of God. Prayer combined with fasting was a common practice in the early church and encourages individuals to dedicate themselves to God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Types of Fasts

According to the Bible, there are two main types of fasts:

Total Fast: This involves abstaining from both food and drink, as seen in Acts 9:9.

Partial Fast: This involves restricting one’s diet, as elaborated in Daniel 10:3.

Examples of biblical figures who fasted include Christ before His ministry, Hannah for a child, and Nehemiah for the restoration of Jerusalem and many more.

Purpose of Fasting

Fasting is not intended to change God, but rather to change the person fasting. When disciples struggled to cast out demons, Jesus indicated that such situations require prayer and fasting. Fasting has definite spiritual purposes, and if not undertaken with the right motives or specific reasons, it may be ineffective. Short-term fasting (e.g., a day or more) can also help maintain bodily functions.

A”chosen fast” is a divinely approved fast, emphasizing humility before God and unselfish motives, particularly concerning the oppressed.

Results of fasting

Illumination: God reveals Himself to us, leading to illumination.

Provision: God satisfies our needs, both spiritual and material, even during lean times.

Rejuvenation: God strengthens our bones and heals our spirit, leading to bodily and spiritual restoration.

Restoration:We are called to repair breaches and restore foundations, raising up future generations.