Eternal Purpose Resource 7

Intercession for God’s Purposes

Intercession as mediation, effecting earthly outcomes, through heavenly prayers. The inspiration and roles fulfilled by biblical characters who interceded with God, especially the Messiah, the great high priest who lives forever, to intercede on behalf of human beings. The ‘house of prayer’ being built amongst God’s people, echoing the groans of creation and of the Spirit, respectively. The significance and cost of Standing ‘in the gap’. The deep yielding to the Spirit and vocational calling to prayer.

Contents

Scripture reveals intercession as a form of mediation, which takes place between heaven and earth. Intercessory prayer has the potential to significantly influence earthly events.

Topics

1. Meaning of intercession

2. Intercession in Scripture

3. Intercession of the Messiah

4. Intercession of the Messianic Community

The Messianic Community is called to become a house of prayer for all nations. Fulfilling this calling requires uniting with the Messiah in his intercession for the peoples of the world.

Topics

1. Between heaven and earth

2. Prayer to the Lord of the harvest

3. Groaning of creation

4. Groaning of the Spirit

5. Fulness of intercessory prayer

‘Standing in the gap’ provides a metaphor for an intercession whereby a person’s entire existence becomes a living prayer. Authentically taking up a position of intercession, ‘in the gap’ — whatever that ’gap’ may be or represent — entails radical obedience and wholehearted, sacrificial service.

Topics

1. Concept of the gap

2. Standing in the gap

3. Cultural gap

4. Discipleship gap

Intercessors are formed by a process of yielding to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. There is a significant cost to fulfilling the vocation of prayerful intercession.

Topics

1. Spirit-led intercession

2. Establishing prayer as a priority

3. Overcoming hindrances to prayer

4. Discovering prayer as vocation

5. Prayer according to God's purposes

Further Resources