In this section we will discover that:

* When we pray, we actually partner with the Spirit of the living God. * God does not hear prayers that are offered without faith! * Prayer and thanksgiving should be inseparable. * We cannot be effective prayer warriors unless we are effective Word warriors.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AN INTERCESSOR?   He is . . . “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Rom. 8:26).

We have the Holy Spirit, God’s divine intercessor, actually living inside us to teach us how to pray, to reveal God’s Word to us, to guide us into all truth and to actually pray for us!

What is an intercessor? The word intercede is from the Latin words inter, which means “between,” and cede, which means “to go.” To intercede means “to go between.” Between what? you may ask. As intercessors, we stand in the gap between what is (the need) and what should be (God’s will).

We intercede on behalf of people, crisis situations and nations. We also intercede for righteousness where we see unrighteousness, for mercy where we see unforgiveness, for love where we see hate, for grace where there is need, and so on. The Holy Spirit knows the gaps that the Father desires for us to fill. So He gives us a burden for that which we should pray.

Andrew Murray, the famous South African revivalist from the nineteenth century, describes how God breathes the life of Christ into our hearts through prayer:

“The Holy Spirit has been bestowed by the Father to breathe the very Spirit of His Son into our hearts. Our Lord desires us to yield ourselves as wholly to God as He did—to pray as He did, that God’s will of love would be done on earth at any cost. As God’s love is revealed in His desire for the salvation of souls, so also the desire of Jesus was made plain when He gave Himself for them. And He now asks that the same love would fill His people, too, so that they give themselves wholly to the work of intercession and, at any cost, pray down God’s love upon the perishing world.

Lest anyone should begin to think that this is beyond his reach, the Holy Spirit of Jesus is actually given into our hearts so that we may pray in His likeness, in His name, and in His power. It is the man who yields himself wholly to the leading of the Holy Spirit who will feel urged, by compulsion of a divine love, to surrender himself completely to a life of continual intercession, because he knows that it is God who is working in Him.

Now we can understand how Christ could give such unlimited promises of answer to prayer to His disciples: they were first going to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Now we understand how God can give such a high place to intercession in the fulfillment of His purpose of redemption. It is the Holy Spirit who breathes God’s own desire into us and enables us to intercede for souls.”

Although many feel that they must be good at praying, God requires only that we are available. If we will be faithful and step up to the plate, God will take our inaccuracies and inadequacies and hit a home run! When we pray, we actually partner with the Spirit of the living God! Our success in prayer is not based on how well we articulate the words of prayer, but simply whether we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit so He can pray through us!

Are there times when you don’t even know how to pray for the things that burden you?

You will never miss the mark by praying the Scriptures. For example, if a riot had developed in your city after a rock concert, you could pray, “Lord, according to Your Word in Psalm 55:9, ‘Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.’ And now I stand in the gap for the youth of our town, that they will see You as their salvation and help.”

Continue to ask God for breakthrough until you feel His peace.

Question: Please read the following Scriptures and list some situations in which you could pray using these verses. Psalm 91:5–7; Psalm 91:11–13; Colossians 1:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:7

Paul encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18). He set the example for us, because he practiced what he preached.

In 1 Corinthians 14:15, Paul explained, “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind.” Jude 20 says, “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”

Until next week,

Eddie and Alice “America’s prayer coaches” ==========================================

Alice’s classic best-seller, Beyond the Veil: Finding Intimacy With God Through Prayer, is read in multiple languages in nations around the world. It has been described as a dressing room to equip the saints. Chapter after chapter Alice Smith teaches us about the lifestyle of intercession as she draws readers from the Outer Court of “self” into the Holy of Holies of “intimate intercession.” It will usher you into new dimensions of spiritual relationship with our heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ! Order your copy at: http://tinyurl.com/k6shu

“. . . rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer . . .” — Romans 12:12, KJV

Too often prayer is our last resort rather than our first response. The apostle Paul challenged the Christians in Rome to be instant in prayer (Rom. 12:12, KJV). The next time you hear the whine of an ambulance’s siren or hear the report of a tragedy on the television news or listen to a troubled person pour out his heart to you, ask yourself, “How am I to pray?”

Do you think you are too busy to pray? Even nature needs to pay attention to the needs around it. Some years ago, many hives of bees were brought from a cold climate to the tropical island of Barbados. Right away the bees went to work, gathering honey for the winter, which their instinct taught them to expect. The winter didn’t come, however, and the bees became lazy. They stopped gathering honey. They spent their time flying about and stinging people. Those who do not produce anything else usually produce trouble.

Let’s not be church whiners, or those who sting with gossip and division. Let’s be producers—producers of effective and targeted prayers for the good of humanity and the glory of God.

Let’s Think About It (Record your answers for your own reflection. No need to turn them in to us.)

Describe a time when you felt God was directing you to pray about something specific.

How did you respond to His promptings?

We learned the past several weeks about the importance of perseverance in prayer.

Describe a time when you prayed for something for a long time. What happened?

Can you think of a time when you prayed consistently for something, but the answer never came?

Why do you think your prayer was not answered?

We have learned about three kinds of people who do not pray. Describe why these types of people might not see their need for a prayer life.

1. A strong person

2. A satisfied person

3. A slothful person

Jesus said that He did nothing except what He saw the Father doing. How does this apply to your prayer life?

Your Time With God

In these lessons we learned some of the characteristics of prayer. Our method of praying should always be genuine, current and persistent. Remember what George Müller said. When he was persuaded that something was the will of God, he would never give up praying for it until the answer came.

Your loving heavenly Father is ready to hear and answer your prayers. Take time today to share your deepest burdens with the Lord. Pour out your heart freely as you express your desire for a closer and more intimate walk with Him. Ask God to teach you how to pray.

Why don’t you read aloud this prayer to the Lord?

“Lord Jesus, I am so happy to know You as my Lord and Savior. I long to know You better. Forgive me if I’ve felt intimidated in Your presence.

I want to be like the men and women of old who believed You for great things and saw them happen. I desire to pray current, genuine and persistent prayers. I want to live a clean life so You can use me.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and empower me to pray the kinds of prayers that matter to the kingdom of God. Give me strength to resist believing that You don’t care about my needs or burdens, because I know You do care. You love me unconditionally, and I happily receive Your love, grace and encouragement to keep on keeping on.

I surrender to Your will for my life today, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Next week we’ll begin to look at the prayer ministry called “Intercession.”

Eddie and Alice “America’s prayer coaches”