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Prepare to Meet God
- Understand the Purpose and Ministry of Intercession
Intercession is a sacred ministry where believers stand in the gap, praying on behalf of others, nations, and God’s purposes on earth. To prepare your heart and mind for this important task, spend time meditating on the following scriptures:- 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This shows the importance of interceding for leaders and those in authority.
- Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” This emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding intercessory prayer.
- Isaiah 59:16: “He saw that there was no one, He was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so His own arm achieved salvation for Him, and His own righteousness sustained Him.” God is looking for intercessors who will stand in the gap.
- Jeremiah 7:16: “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with Me, for I will not listen to you.” This verse reminds us of the weight of intercession and the need to be in tune with God’s will.
- Genesis 18:20-33: This passage recounts Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating the power of persistent prayer.
- The Book of Exodus: Many examples of Moses interceding for the Israelites, showing the importance of selfless prayers for others.
- Ezra 9:6-15: Ezra’s prayer of confession for the sins of the people shows how intercession includes repentance on behalf of others.
- Daniel 9:4-19: Daniel’s prayer of intercession for Israel teaches us the power of fervent and humble petitions to God.
- Matthew 9:37-38: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” This highlights the urgency of prayer for workers to bring in the spiritual harvest.
- Prioritize Physical and Spiritual Readiness
To meet the demands of intercession, you must prepare both your body and spirit:- Eat Healthy: Consuming balanced, nutritious meals will sustain your energy levels. Avoid heavy or unhealthy foods that may make you lethargic.
- Sleep Early: Ensure you rest adequately so you can wake up alert by 11:00 PM or midnight for prayer. Sleep deprivation can weaken your focus and effectiveness during intercession.
- Plan Your Schedule: Rearrange your day to prioritize spiritual preparation. For example, limit unnecessary distractions in the evening and use the time for worship, scripture reading, or quiet reflection to prepare your heart.
- Guard Against the Schemes of the Enemy
As you prepare for intercession, be mindful of the enemy’s attempts to distract or weaken you spiritually:- Avoid Godless Chatter: Be careful not to engage in meaningless or harmful conversations that could distract or defile your spirit (2 Timothy 2:16).
- Flee Ungodly Activities: Refrain from participating in activities that do not glorify God, as they can open doors for spiritual attacks or hinder your prayers.
- Stay Focused on Righteousness: Remember, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Strive to live in alignment with God’s Word so your prayers will have great impact.
- Schedule for Intercession
Intercession requires consistency and discipline. Here’s the schedule for prayer:- Four Days a Week (Monday to Thursday):
- Prayer will take place from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. These hours are often referred to as the “watch hours,” a time when spiritual activity is heightened, and your prayers can be especially effective.
- No Intercession from Friday to Sunday:
- During these days, many church services are ongoing, including some that last all night. This time is set aside for corporate worship and fellowship.
- Four Days a Week (Monday to Thursday):
Prepare your heart, mind, and body to align with God’s purpose for this sacred ministry of intercession. Approach each session with humility, dedication, and faith, knowing that your prayers are partnering with God to bring about His will on earth.