Unlocking the Power of Intercessory Prayer
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I want to talk about a type of prayer that many people never enter into, a prayer that is foreign to most. The disciples, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, witnessed miracles, signs, and wonders, and heard great preaching, only asked Him to teach them one thing: how to pray. They understood that everything Jesus did was wrapped up in His prayer life. This type of prayer is crucial, especially as we face the storm that God has revealed to me is on the horizon. This storm will affect every area of life—finances, politics, businesses, and churches. It is a storm approved by God, and our prayers can affect its impact on us.
In 2024, I preached from Psalms 24, emphasizing the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart. This is the generation that seeks God. The Lord gave me a message about the "open door in 24," which signifies the door of intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is about creating a time of intersection with God, where our prayers set a divine appointment for God to meet with those we are praying for. This kind of prayer can change lives, as seen in the transformation of Saul to Paul.
We live in a world where the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life dominate. Many have used their faith to acquire material things, but true faith is meant to set us free from the world. Paul, who endured stoning, beatings, and other hardships, never faltered because he had an encounter with God that gave him real faith. This faith took him out of this world and into a realm few people know about. It is this kind of faith that we need to strive for.
God wants to speak to us and set us free from our struggles. I shared a personal testimony of how God spoke to me and set me free from a sin I had struggled with for years. When God speaks, His word has the power to change us instantly. Jesus is coming back for a church that is eagerly awaiting His return. If we are not excited about His coming, He is not coming for us. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to have the power to live a victorious Christian life.
Intercession is about aligning our prayers with what the Spirit wants, not what we want. It is about catching the Spirit of God and allowing it to govern our lives. This kind of prayer can lead to weeping, groaning, and birthing in the Spirit. These are powerful forms of prayer that bring about God's will on earth. Fasting can help us get in touch with God and break off any hardness of heart that prevents us from praying effectively.
Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet, chose the good part that could not be taken away from her. Her weeping and intercession moved Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead. This kind of prayer touches the heart of God and brings about miraculous results. Jesus Himself was deeply moved by Mary's weeping, and it led to one of His greatest miracles.
In conclusion, we need to learn and practice this type of intercessory prayer. It is a lost art that is crucial for the days ahead. This prayer will bring about the greatest move of God we have ever seen. It will display the glory of God and bring about His will on earth. Let us commit to this kind of prayer and see the glory of God manifested in our lives and in the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Intercessory Prayer: Intercessory prayer is about creating a divine intersection where God meets those we are praying for. This type of prayer is crucial, especially as we face the storm that God has revealed is on the horizon. This storm will affect every area of life, and our prayers can affect its impact on us. Intercessory prayer sets a divine appointment for God to intervene in the lives of those we are praying for. [34:59]
2. True Faith Sets Us Free from the World: Many have used their faith to acquire material things, but true faith is meant to set us free from the world. Paul, who endured stoning, beatings, and other hardships, never faltered because he had an encounter with God that gave him real faith. This faith took him out of this world and into a realm few people know about. We need to strive for this kind of faith that transcends worldly desires and focuses on eternal values. [44:04]
3. God's Word Has the Power to Instantly Change Us: When God speaks, His word has the power to change us instantly. I shared a personal testimony of how God spoke to me and set me free from a sin I had struggled with for years. This is the grace of God. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, remove any obstacles between us and God, and allow His word to set us free. [46:22]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives: We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to have the power to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit takes hold together with us against our infirmities. Being united with the Spirit allows us to align our prayers with what the Spirit wants, not what we want. This unity with the Holy Spirit is crucial for effective intercession and living a life that pleases God. [48:43]
5. Weeping and Groaning in the Spirit: Weeping, groaning, and birthing in the Spirit are powerful forms of prayer that bring about God's will on earth. These types of prayers are often accompanied by fasting and deep emotional engagement. They move the heart of God and bring about miraculous results. Mary’s weeping moved Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead, showing the power of heartfelt intercession. [51:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:59] - The Importance of Intercessory Prayer
[44:04] - True Faith Sets Us Free from the World
[46:22] - God's Word Has the Power to Instantly Change Us
[48:43] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
[51:16] - Weeping and Groaning in the Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
> "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'"
2. Psalms 24:3-6 (NIV)
> "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob."
3. John 11:32-35 (NIV)
> "When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 'Where have you laid him?' he asked. 'Come and see, Lord,' they replied. Jesus wept."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Mary choose to do when Jesus visited her home, and how did Jesus respond to Martha's complaint about it? (Luke 10:38-42)
2. According to Psalms 24, what are the characteristics of those who may ascend the mountain of the Lord and stand in His holy place? (Psalms 24:3-6)
3. How did Jesus react when He saw Mary and the Jews weeping over Lazarus' death? (John 11:32-35)
4. What did the pastor say about the importance of intercessory prayer in relation to the storm that is on the horizon? [36:44]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that Mary had chosen the "better part" that would not be taken away from her? How does this relate to our priorities in life? (Luke 10:42)
2. In Psalms 24, what does it mean to have "clean hands and a pure heart," and how does this relate to seeking God? (Psalms 24:3-6)
3. How does Jesus' reaction to Mary’s weeping in John 11 demonstrate the power of heartfelt intercession? (John 11:33-35)
4. The pastor mentioned that true faith sets us free from the world. How did Paul’s encounter with God exemplify this kind of faith? [44:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How often do you engage in intercessory prayer, and what steps can you take to make it a more regular practice? [36:44]
2. Think about a time when you used your faith to acquire material things. How can you shift your focus to using your faith to set yourself free from worldly desires? [42:51]
3. Have you ever experienced a moment when God’s word instantly changed you? Share that experience and discuss how you can remain open to hearing God’s voice in your daily life. [46:22]
4. The pastor shared a personal testimony of being set free from a long-term sin. Is there a struggle in your life that you need to bring before God in prayer? How can you humble yourself to receive His word of freedom? [46:56]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to live a victorious Christian life? What practical steps can you take this week to align your prayers with what the Spirit wants? [48:43]
6. Reflect on a time when you were deeply moved to pray for someone else. How did that experience affect you and the person you were praying for? How can you make intercessory prayer a more integral part of your spiritual practice? [51:16]
7. Mary’s weeping moved Jesus to perform a miracle. Is there a situation in your life or someone else's life that you feel called to intercede for with deep emotion and commitment? How can you start this process? [51:16]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is about creating a divine intersection where God meets those we are praying for. This type of prayer is crucial, especially as we face the storm that God has revealed is on the horizon. This storm will affect every area of life, and our prayers can affect its impact on us. Intercessory prayer sets a divine appointment for God to intervene in the lives of those we are praying for. It is a powerful tool that can change lives and bring about God's will on earth. As we engage in intercessory prayer, we align our hearts with God's desires and become conduits for His power and grace.
[34:59]
Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. Can you commit to interceding for them daily this week, asking God to intervene in their situation?
Day 2: True Faith Transcends Worldly Desires
Many have used their faith to acquire material things, but true faith is meant to set us free from the world. Paul, who endured stoning, beatings, and other hardships, never faltered because he had an encounter with God that gave him real faith. This faith took him out of this world and into a realm few people know about. We need to strive for this kind of faith that transcends worldly desires and focuses on eternal values. True faith is not about what we can get from God but about how we can be transformed by Him and live a life that reflects His kingdom.
[44:04]
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you may be using faith to seek material gain. How can you shift your focus to seek spiritual growth and eternal values instead?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Word
When God speaks, His word has the power to change us instantly. This is the grace of God. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, remove any obstacles between us and God, and allow His word to set us free. God's word is not just informative but transformative. It has the power to break chains, heal wounds, and set us on a new path. When we open our hearts to receive His word, we invite His transformative power into our lives, allowing Him to mold us into His image.
[46:22]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or struggle you have been dealing with for a long time? Ask God to speak His word into that area and believe in His power to bring instant change.
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to have the power to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit takes hold together with us against our infirmities. Being united with the Spirit allows us to align our prayers with what the Spirit wants, not what we want. This unity with the Holy Spirit is crucial for effective intercession and living a life that pleases God. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and helps us to live in a way that reflects God's love and truth.
[48:43]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers and your daily life? Take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and lead you in all that you do today.
Day 5: The Power of Weeping and Groaning in the Spirit
Weeping, groaning, and birthing in the Spirit are powerful forms of prayer that bring about God's will on earth. These types of prayers are often accompanied by fasting and deep emotional engagement. They move the heart of God and bring about miraculous results. Mary’s weeping moved Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead, showing the power of heartfelt intercession. When we engage in this deep level of prayer, we align ourselves with God's heart and become instruments of His miraculous power.
[51:16]
Romans 8:22-23 (ESV): "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Reflection: Have you ever experienced deep emotional engagement in prayer? Consider setting aside time this week to pray with deep sincerity and emotion, asking God to move powerfully in a specific situation.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The only thing they ever asked him was teach us to pray. They didn't ask him to teach us to work miracles, and they didn't ask him to teach us to preach. They didn't ask us anything but the only one thing they asked, Lord, teach us to pray. So they realized that what he did was wrapped up in his prayer life." [34:59]
2. "The storm is going to affect everything that can be shaken. He says this, I'm going to shake everything that can be shaken. This storm is a storm that's approved of by God and is allowed to happen." [36:44]
3. "Jesus Christ is coming back after a church that's wanting him to come back, that's loving him to come back, and is praying for him to come back. If you're not excited about the coming of our Lord, if you're not excited about him to come back, don't worry about it. He's not coming for you." [47:53]
4. "The only way that people can be united together is to be united. United in what the Spirit wants. When they get united in what the Spirit wants, they unite with him. And intercession is actually creating an intersection that God wants, not what you want." [49:20]
5. "If you love it, you can cry. If you don't love it, you can't cry. Tears connect to your love strings. Is there anything that can make you cry? That's what you're connected to. So I'm going to talk today about how tears affect God." [58:04]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have used our faith to get cars and jobs. We have used our faith for covetousness. When the faith that God gives us is to set us free from the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world. So we have used the gifts of God, and God's let us by with it. We have used the gifts of God in the church to acquire things that we want for our flesh. And God says, that's not why I gave you faith. I gave you faith to have victory over the world." [42:51]
2. "The moment you have an encounter with God, that encounter with God will change your life beyond what you could ever do yourself. There's no way. As a matter of fact, many times people strive for it. All we need is an encounter with God. As a matter of fact, I said this in our church. Many, many people are trying, they can, to get more faith where they can believe God for healing. They can believe God for different things. You don't really need to believe God for more faith. God's faith is actually God talking to you. All you have to do is get rid of the sin that stops you from hearing from him." [44:49]
3. "If you're serving God, because you haven't had an experience with God, you're going to feel like your reward wasn't good enough. You're going to get burned out. You're going to go tell Pastor Brent, Brother Brent, I'm over here doing this and nobody is helping me. But now if you have an experience with God, you're not going to care if anybody helps you. So you need to get married first, then Martha, and still the other way around." [01:06:23]
4. "Mary comes in and when she comes in, she don't have an attitude. She falls down and her reply was this, Jesus, I know you. Jesus, I have heard your heart. Jesus, your words have changed my life and I don't understand how and why this happened in your life. Mary knew Jesus that he wasn't here. A whole lot different attitude than if you'd have been here. She had the same question but the question is a whole lot different because it's coming out of the heart. It's coming out of the heart of knowing the heart of Jesus instead of knowing about the heart of Jesus." [01:18:09]
5. "When you birth it in the spirit it will be well when it will not be taken away from you now i can't make god speak to me and i can't make god birth it but i know this when i touch him through my tears because i love him god will birth things inside of you that will be literally impossible but god will do it and it will not be able to be taken from you because it has been secured in the heavenlies and the court has already met in the heavenlies and the court has already said you're going to receive this blessing despite everything that's going to happen." [01:24:49]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 03, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?