What is an Intercessor?

Webster defines an intercessor as interceding:

• the action of pleading on somebody's behalf.
• attempt to resolve conflict: the action of attempting to settle a dispute.
• prayer or petition: a prayer to God, or a saint on behalf of somebody or something. Simply put, an intercessor is a person who goes before God in prayer on behalf of another person, situation or circumstance.

Every Christian has probably at some point in their life interceded on behalf of a love one, family member, friend, their church and pastor. We do it when there is a crisis or immediate situation that we need a response to. Does that make you an intercessor? On the simplest level, yes.

However, to be a true intercessor you MUST MEET OTHER QUALIFICATIONS. First, you must be a born again Christian who is willing to be separated, consecrated and committed to a holy lifestyle. Sounds pretty basic? You will be surprised how many people live a casual Christian lifestyle that embrace many of the secular things of this world and then believe that they can pray to God and expect an answer. For example you have been out drinking and partying all night but on the next day learn that a friend has been hurt or has some special need and you begin to "intercede" for that person.

Another example - someone has mistreated you, lied on you etc. and you have made up your mind to never forgive this person. Can you intercede on behalf of others? An intercessor MUST BE WILLING TO FORGIVE. An intercessor must have a REPENTING HEART that is not to say be one that is practicing sin and need to repent constantly for sinning. No, a repenting heart to the extent that I recognize my imperfections and understand that my heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. Therefore I guard my heart, check my heart and am continuously aware of the need to confess and repent of any thing that may hinder my walk with God.

A true intercessor understands that intercession is a high and holy calling. A true intercessor is on the order of a high priest whose duties are to go in before God on behalf of the people. Yes, Jesus has made it possible for each child of God to come boldly before the throne of grace for himself but there is still a need for intercessors.

A true intercessor has a personal intimate relationship with God. A true intercessor has a lifestyle that includes a dedicated time of prayer, fasting and reading the word of God. Intercessors are interceding daily for the people of God, the pastors, leaders, communities, homes, families, world peace, different situations and circumstances that affect the people at large.

What is an intercessor? A person who has answered the high calling of God accordingly to II Chronicles 7:14 "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, forgive their sins and heal their land. A person who has answered the want ad according to Ezekiel 22:30 "and I sought for a man that should stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

1. Pray for God's provision
2. Pray persistently
3. Pray specifically

• Protection from Satan's schemes and evil
• Whatever the Lord lay upon your hearts
• Physical and Spiritual healing
• Workers sent and not growing weary in doing good
• Jesus to be glorified
• Rooted in the Word
• Discipleship/follow-up of new converts
• Evangelism of pre-Christians
• Spirit's control and power
• Spirit to lead participant(s) into truth
• Person(s) to be aware of God's presence
• Boldness to minister or speak