Power of Intercessory Prayer: Aligning with God's Will

Summary

### Summary

Intercession is the act of pleading on behalf of another, often through prayer. It is a powerful ministry that allows believers to influence God's actions, not by changing His mind, but by aligning our will with His. God, in His sovereignty, sometimes allows His children to impact His decisions through earnest prayer. However, He will never condone wickedness or contradict His Word. The story of the Israelites' idolatry after their covenant with God illustrates how quickly people can turn away from their commitments. Despite their rebellion, Moses interceded passionately for them, demonstrating the power of fervent prayer.

God is fully aware of our actions and attitudes. He knows when we are stubborn and prideful, and He does get angry at our rebellion. Yet, He listens to the heartfelt prayers of those who intercede for others. Moses' intercession for the Israelites is a prime example of this. He pleaded with God to spare them, even offering his own life in exchange for their forgiveness. This kind of passionate, selfless prayer is what God desires from us.

The Bible is filled with examples of intercessory prayer, from Amos saving Israel from plagues to friends bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus. These stories show that one person's prayer can have a monumental impact. Intercession is not just a duty but a privilege and a powerful tool that God has given us to bring about change.

In today's world, the need for intercessory prayer is as urgent as ever. We must stand in the gap for our nation, our leaders, and the lost souls around us. If we don't, who will? The responsibility lies with each of us to plead for God's mercy and revival. We must be willing to sacrifice our time and comfort to pray fervently for others, just as others have prayed for us.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Sovereignty and Our Influence: While God does not need our permission to act, He allows us to influence His actions through prayer. This is not about changing God's mind but aligning our will with His. Our prayers can bring about God's desired outcomes, demonstrating the profound impact of intercession. [00:59]

2. God's Awareness of Our Actions and Attitudes: God is fully aware of everything we do and think. He knows our actions and the attitudes behind them. This awareness should humble us and drive us to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight. [05:19]

3. The Power of Passionate Intercession: Moses' intercession for the Israelites shows the power of passionate, selfless prayer. He was willing to sacrifice his own life for the sake of the people. This kind of fervent prayer can move the heart of God and bring about significant change. [10:21]

4. The Role of Intercessory Prayer in Salvation: Intercessory prayer is crucial for the salvation of others. Just as Moses and Paul prayed fervently for their people, we must pray for the lost around us. Our prayers can be the catalyst for their salvation, demonstrating the heart of Christianity. [12:47]

5. The Urgency of Intercessory Prayer Today: The need for intercessory prayer is urgent in today's world. We must stand in the gap for our nation, leaders, and lost souls. If we don't, who will? The responsibility lies with each of us to plead for God's mercy and revival. [22:16]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Influence Through Prayer
[02:03] - God's Unchanging Nature
[03:09] - Israel's Covenant and Rebellion
[03:59] - God's Awareness of Actions
[05:19] - God's Awareness of Attitudes
[07:08] - God's Righteous Anger
[09:28] - Moses' Passionate Intercession
[10:21] - Moses' Selfless Prayer
[12:47] - The Heart of Christianity
[13:29] - Moses' Arguments in Prayer
[14:53] - The Result of Intercession
[15:53] - Amos' Intercessory Prayers
[18:11] - Friends' Faith in Action
[19:43] - The Call to Intercessory Prayer
[20:40] - Ezekiel's Prophetic Words
[22:16] - The Urgency of Prayer Today
[23:30] - Personal Responsibility in Prayer
[24:37] - A Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' intercession for the Israelites.
2. Psalm 139:1-4 - God's awareness of our actions and attitudes.
3. Romans 9:1-3 - Paul's passionate intercession for the Jews.

### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the Israelites take that led to God's anger in Exodus 32? ([03:59])
2. How does Psalm 139 describe God's knowledge of our actions and thoughts? ([05:19])
3. What was Moses' attitude and approach when he interceded for the Israelites? ([10:21])
4. According to Romans 9, what was Paul's emotional state regarding the salvation of his fellow Jews? ([11:32])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' intercession in Exodus 32 demonstrate the power of passionate and selfless prayer? ([10:21])
2. In Psalm 139, why is it significant that God knows our thoughts and actions so intimately? How should this awareness affect our behavior? ([05:19])
3. What does Paul's willingness to be "accursed from Christ" for the sake of his people in Romans 9 reveal about the nature of true intercessory prayer? ([11:32])
4. How does the story of the friends bringing the paralyzed man to Jesus in Mark 2 illustrate the impact of intercessory actions? ([18:11])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to intercede for someone. How did you approach God in prayer, and what was the outcome? ([10:21])
2. Considering Psalm 139, how can you cultivate a lifestyle that is more aware of God's constant presence and knowledge of your actions and thoughts? ([05:19])
3. Moses was willing to sacrifice his own life for the forgiveness of the Israelites. Are there areas in your life where you need to show more selflessness in your prayers for others? ([10:21])
4. Paul expressed a deep sorrow and willingness to be separated from Christ for the salvation of his people. How can you develop a similar passion for the lost in your community? ([11:32])
5. The sermon emphasized the urgency of intercessory prayer today. What specific steps can you take this week to stand in the gap for your nation, leaders, or someone you know who is lost? ([22:16])
6. The friends in Mark 2 went to great lengths to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Is there someone in your life who needs your persistent and creative efforts to bring them closer to Christ? ([18:11])
7. Reflect on the statement, "If we don't stand in the gap, who will?" How can you take personal responsibility for intercessory prayer in your daily life? ([22:16])

Devotional

### Day 1: Influence Through Prayer
Theme: Aligning Our Will with God's Will

Description:
Prayer is a profound way to align our will with God's will. While God is sovereign and does not need our permission to act, He graciously allows us to influence His actions through our prayers. This is not about changing God's mind but about bringing our desires and intentions in line with His divine purposes. When we pray earnestly, we are participating in God's work and can bring about His desired outcomes. This demonstrates the profound impact of intercession and the privilege we have as believers to engage with God in this way. [00:59]

Bible Passage:
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you align your prayer with God's will in this situation today?

### Day 2: God's Awareness of Our Actions and Attitudes
Theme: Living Transparently Before God

Description:
God is fully aware of everything we do and think. He knows our actions and the attitudes behind them. This awareness should humble us and drive us to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight. Our actions and attitudes are always under God's watchful eye, and this should inspire us to live with integrity and humility. Recognizing God's omniscience can lead us to a deeper sense of accountability and a desire to align our lives with His standards. [05:19]

Bible Passage:
"For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he watches all his paths." (Proverbs 5:21, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on your recent actions and attitudes. Are there areas where you need to seek God's forgiveness and realign your behavior with His expectations?

### Day 3: The Power of Passionate Intercession
Theme: The Impact of Selfless Prayer

Description:
Moses' intercession for the Israelites shows the power of passionate, selfless prayer. He was willing to sacrifice his own life for the sake of the people. This kind of fervent prayer can move the heart of God and bring about significant change. When we pray with passion and selflessness, we are demonstrating a deep love for others and a commitment to God's purposes. This type of prayer is not just about asking for things but about standing in the gap for others and pleading for God's mercy and intervention on their behalf. [10:21]

Bible Passage:
"So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. And the two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. And I looked, and behold, you had sinned against the Lord your God; you had made yourselves a golden calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you. So I took hold of the two tablets and threw them out of my two hands and broke them before your eyes. Then I lay prostrate before the Lord as before, for forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin that you had committed, in doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord to provoke him to anger." (Deuteronomy 9:15-18, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone who is struggling or in need. How can you intercede passionately and selflessly for them in prayer today?

### Day 4: The Role of Intercessory Prayer in Salvation
Theme: Praying for the Lost

Description:
Intercessory prayer is crucial for the salvation of others. Just as Moses and Paul prayed fervently for their people, we must pray for the lost around us. Our prayers can be the catalyst for their salvation, demonstrating the heart of Christianity. When we intercede for others, we are participating in God's redemptive work and expressing our love and concern for their eternal well-being. This type of prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us to bring about change and transformation in the lives of those who do not yet know Him. [12:47]

Bible Passage:
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." (Romans 10:1-2, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you commit to praying for their salvation consistently and fervently?

### Day 5: The Urgency of Intercessory Prayer Today
Theme: Standing in the Gap

Description:
The need for intercessory prayer is urgent in today's world. We must stand in the gap for our nation, leaders, and lost souls. If we don't, who will? The responsibility lies with each of us to plead for God's mercy and revival. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, our prayers can make a significant difference. We are called to be watchmen on the walls, interceding for those who are in need and seeking God's intervention in the affairs of our world. This is a critical aspect of our spiritual responsibility and a powerful way to bring about change. [22:16]

Bible Passage:
"And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30, ESV)

Reflection:
Consider the current state of your community or nation. How can you stand in the gap through intercessory prayer for the issues and people that need God's intervention today?

Quotes

1. "First of all, God does not need our permission to do anything. See, that's a good place for an amen. God doesn't need your permission to do anything. God is completely righteous and holy, and He's never made a mistake. And He's not about to make a mistake. It may not agree with you, but that doesn't mean it's a mistake. But there are times in Scripture that God seems to give His children the unique opportunity to influence His behavior. In other words, you can influence what God chooses to do. Jesus told His disciples, You receive not because you ask not. If you'd ask, God would have given it to you." [00:59] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Second thing, I have found in personal intercession that I'm not bending God's will to my will. But often it's God's bending my will to His will. When I pray for revival, I'm not praying to convince God that revival is a good thing. God loves revival. God wants revival. He desires revival. He just wants to get that revival ignited in my heart to start with. But third, God will never be persuaded or coerced into condoning wickedness or contradicting His Word. He is not going to say, He's not going to bless a relationship or behavior that is grounded in wickedness or is considered an abomination." [02:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Isn't it intimidating to know that God knows what's in your heart? He knows how you came to church. He knows if you came happy. He knows if you came mad. He knows if you got mad out there in that parking lot. Whether your wife knows it or not. He knows if you. He knows if you came to church with a teachable spirit. Or whether you walked in the door thinking, you know, I wouldn't walk down that aisle of that altar if Brother Sam laid $20 bills down there. I'm not responding. God knows your heart. He knows how you walked in the door. He knows what attitudes you came with." [07:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Truth is, we will never win the world to Christ until the church starts to care with such compassion. For the souls of lost people. That you truly understand that next-door neighbor of yours, if they were to die today, they would spend eternity in a fiery hell. And in your heart of hearts, you're saying, I can't stand that. I have to go and plead with God to turn their heart. I have to plead. I've got to intercede for them. I've got to stand in the gap for them to weep over the lost, to beseech God to please change their heart. This is the heart of Christianity." [12:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Do you realize, oh Christian, what power and influence that you have? It's not a matter of, well, if a whole church would get together, then the whole denomination, and all the... No, no. One. One man. Save thousands of lives with one prayer. One man. Willing to stand in the gap. In the book of Amos. Amos chapter 7. God gives Amos three visions. The first vision is of a bunch of grasshoppers. And in his vision, he saw the grasshoppers coming in, and they just literally ate everything in the land of Israel. And all the people starved to death as a result of the grasshoppers." [15:26] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, the Bible talks about Jesus coming to the town of Capernaum. Kind of his hometown. And it was his center of base of ministry up in the Galilee. And the Bible says that when he came there, he went into a house and word got out, Jesus is in town. Jesus is in town. So everybody came to that house. And they packed into it like sardines. So much you couldn't even get in the door. You couldn't crawl in a window. You just couldn't get to Jesus. And he said, as he was teaching in the middle of this, the Bible says that there were four buddies, four friends." [18:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If we don't stand in the gap, who will? If we don't make up the hedge, if we don't pray for our leaders, that God would turn their hearts, that God would send a revival in this wicked, wicked land. If we don't do it, who's going to do it? You can't point to the person down the aisle. You need to take the index finger and do a U-turn and say, It's me, it's me, it's me, O Lord. I'm the one that needs to be standing in prayer. If we are not burdened enough to plead for the souls of, lost men, then their blood will be upon our hands." [22:16] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When was the last time you begged God on your hands and knees for the soul of somebody? Do you have a list? Do you have a list of ten that you said, Listen, I know these people are without Christ and I'm going to pray for them until they get saved or until I die, whichever comes first? Do you have a list of five? Do you have a list of one? Do you have one person on your heart that you say, I'm begging, I'm begging God that He would forgive them, that He would save them, that He would send somebody or the Holy Ghost to turn their heart." [23:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You say, but Sam, I am just too busy. I am too busy. Then friend, you're too busy. There's an old saying that says, if the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy. If you're so busy, you don't have time to come before the throne room of God and exercise your power and your authority as a child of God on behalf of those that don't know God. You're too busy. I don't know about you, but guys, this sermon was really for me I know what responsibility God's placed on me and I haven't always exercised that responsibility and for that, I apologize and I've made that commitment." [24:37] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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