Little Book, Big Prayers: Intercession for the Body of Christ

To follow is the Introduction to the fourth “Little Book, Big Prayers” 4-book series scheduled for release October 27th.

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.–Ezekiel 22:30

Each of us are called to intercession. It is not just a corporate function for the body of believers in Jesus Christ, but it is an individual function as well. Every child of God has several charges. One of them is to reconcile the lost to Jesus Christ through sharing the Good News of the Gospel and sharing our testimonies.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. –2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Another charge is to do the work of the Gospel:

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:
freely ye have received, freely give.–Matthew 10:8

Praying for our personal needs in behalf of ourselves is not intercession. But intercession is creating a link between God and mankind in behalf of others and the cares of this world.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; –1Timothy 2:1-3

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. –James 5:16

Situations in the world and the lives of God’s people are changed through intercession. It is not just a ministry but should be the lifestyle of every believer. When we don’t make intercession a part of our prayer life, it is like a critical loss of blood to the body. The church is weakened and susceptible to attacks by the devil, like aiding and abetting the death of the church of Jesus Christ. Intercession is vital to the life and strength of the body of Christ. The power of God is demonstrated through His sons and daughters when we declare and decree the word of God. The prophetic is released through intercession.

God obligates himself to hear the voice of intercession. When you pray from your heart, He will allow you to know what His heart and mind is for the world and His people. Through intercession His will and desires are birthed out or manifested into the earth realm. God takes care of our personal concerns when we avail ourselves to cover one another in prayer. There will always be a need for you to stand in the gap, make up the hedge, repair the broken places, and to pray the kingdom alternatives of God on earth as it is in heaven.

All of the prayers in this book are scripture-based. Use them as a springboard to help you develop or enhance your personal and private communion with the Father, or ability to participate in corporate intercession. Don’t use them half-heartedly or make them a formality or ritual. The prayers are only a tool to help you learn some of what the word of God has to say about each topical item. The topical listing is a reminder of the significant areas we need to keep on our prayer lists. And remember, intercession is not just talking to God and going about your business, but it is waiting and listening to Him as well.

The cry of the poor come unto him and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.–Job 34:28

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: –Joel 2:19

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; –Luke 18:1

We have an assignment individually and corporately to pray for the manifestation of the glory of God to come upon the Body of Christ. That is only if we intercede on one accord, unified in the spirit. We will see our sons, daughters, and households saved and strengthened. We will see signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. We will see the harvest of souls through evangelism and revivals. We will see the divine favor and glory of God, restoration and miracles, a holy reverence and purity in the church.

Intercession is needed for the Body of Christ until each of us, when we read: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Rev. 22:12-13), then we will be able to rejoice and say without fear or hesitation, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” (Revelations 22:20).

Download a preview sample of each book in the series at: Smashwords.com

Christine Brooks Martin, author
“Pray What God Says”
“Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith”
“He That Healeth Thee”
“Christine’s Short-Shorts”
“Little Book, Big Prayers” 4-book series
Spiritual Growth
Mental and Physical Wholeness
Career & Finances
Intercession for the Body of Christ 

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