The True Call of the Intercessor

in·ter·cede [in-ter-seed]

–verb (used without object), -ced·ed, -ced·ing.

1.	to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition: to intercede with the governor for a condemned man.
2.	to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.
3.	Roman History. (of a tribune or other magistrate) to interpose a veto.

What is a TRUE INTERCESSOR? What does INTERCESSORY PRAYER really entail? Too often, the saints of God have missed the true meaning of this call. It is one that should be celebrated, but entered into cautiously. It is one that can celebrate many victories or bring curses if misunderstood.

In general, an intercessor is a MEDIATOR or one who MAKES PETITION on behalf of someone else. How do we know when an intercessor is operating in order? Answer: There is a VESTED interest in the matter. In other words, God AND the one interceding have a personal interest in the resolution of the matter.

Jesus is the example we must follow, as He is a MASTER intercessor, and has ordained the Holy Spirit to operate in the same manner.

1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Heb 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Before taking a look at the specific characteristics of the intercessor/mediator that Jesus was, let’s first determine who is established to walk as an intercessor. Unfortunately, many believe that ANYONE can serve as a spiritual intercessor and that anyone’s prayers on behalf of another qualify as “intercessory prayers” or prayers of mediation.

When God created men, he gave us dominion over the earth and every living thing in it (Gen 1:26-30). This dominion was sealed by the power of God, because the same breath He used to create the world was breathed into the man He created, that the same power may be exercised (Gen 2:7). However, at the point that sine entered, those things that were once under the submission of man began to demand his labor, sweat and pain (Gen 3:14-19). The enemy, who had been cast down to the earth, was given permission to dwell in the air, and now gained power due to the sin of man (Matt 4:8-9; Jn 16:11; Eph 2:2).

The “prince of this world” has been given control over worldly systems and has influence on mankind. Yet, the breath of God still rules in His people. The saints of God must now exercise the gifts and power within us, as the enemy continues to work AGAINST us (1 Jn 4:4). However, God has stepped back, giving His creation free will and power to operate in the earth. He has given His children dominion over demonic forces (Mark 16:16-18) in the earth. Now, those who believe and are called as the saints of God must also become His ambassadors in the earth. Those who are truly sold out for God understand their lives are to be a living sacrifice unto Him (Rom 12:1-2). In essence, we are in the world but not of the world. Not only that, but we are God’s voice in this earth. He works and operates THROUGH His people.

2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

am·bas·sa·dor [am-bas-uh-der, -dawr]

–noun

1.	a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative (ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary).
2.	a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by a government to represent it on a temporary mission, as for negotiating a treaty.
3.	a diplomatic official serving as permanent head of a country's mission to the United Nations or some other international organization.
4.	an authorized messenger or representative. Abbreviation: Amb., amb.

What does it mean to be an ambassador? An ambassador is a stranger in the land. Yet, they carry authority given to them by a “higher authority.” We live in this world only as puppets for our God. We are not permanent residents, but must come to understand that we are to be used solely as instruments, conducting the business of our Father and exercising His authority in this world, a foreign land to those who live for Him. Ambassadors for Christ should impose His thoughts, spread His message and uphold His Kingdom. Ambassadors are also ample intercessors.

Yes, ambassadors are the mediating authority between a foreign land and that which they represent. The US Ambassador in Kenya , has the authority of the US while in that country. US citizens and those requiring the assistance of the US must go through the ambassador. In the same manner, if a US citizen mistreated in that foreign land, the Ambassador as the authority to implement and uphold punishment based on the US law. So is the power and authority of the saints in this world, hence the authority to intercede.

Now that we have established our power and authority to intercede, we must look back at Jesus’ example of how it should be done.

There is one large distinction between Christ and ourselves that should be recognized. Jesus became the propitiation for our sins, according to the Word of God. This means that He actually paid for and made atonement, or made “right”, our wrongs before the Father. In other words, He took intercession to a new level. This allowed others to follow as intercessors and ministers of reconciliation. While we cannot put on in right standing with God, we can mediate between God and man to bring about change in the spirit realm. Christ was able to bring about remission due to the shedding of blood (Heb 9:22). We cannot (and don’t need to) make a way for salvation. Jesus has already done this, and was the only one qualified. However, we are empowered, as he was, to mediate between the natural realm of this world and the spiritual, supernatural power of God.

Our prayers, when in line with the word of God, cause the natural realm to manifest what we have power to usher forth in the spiritual realm. The breath of God, which resides in the true saints, allows us to commune with the Father, adopt His will as our own, speak forth His will in the earth, command the powers of this earth to move, and manifest God’s desires through us in this earth. So, what is intercessory prayer?

Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

When we become a living sacrifice unto God, we are made one with Him. We die daily, as Paul did, and our own identity begins to fade as we take on the will, speech and actions of our Father. Intercessory prayer requires a saint, who is a true sacrifice unto God, to become a mediator between God and a situation, person or thing who has been oppressed by this world. That saint then operates as an Ambassador, being given authority by God, to impose spiritual warfare on behalf of that person, thing or situation. When the request lines up with the will of God, the Father moves on behalf of the Ambassador, and allows the spiritual to be manifested in the natural, for HIS glory! The Ambassador is able to invoke a move of God in the enemy’s land, in the name of the Father. Why? Because He REPRESENTS the Father in the earth!

Too many are claiming to be intercessors without the authority to do so. In fact, many of us don’t even realize that we are not released to intercede for everything. How can a true intercessor be identified, and how do we know when we should intercede?

• Intercessors must live HOLY lives. They are sacrifices unto God and representatives of HIM – not their own wills or desires.
• Intercessors must KNOW God. They must hear His voice, know His heart and know His written word.
• Intercessors must realize they are invoking God on behalf of a person, place or thing. We cannot stand before a HOLY God requesting anything outside of His will. Intercession is a weapon of spiritual warfare, but cannot be used as a tool for personal gain. WE CANNOT INTERCED ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING. Ambassadors operate in two major situations, and so does the true intercessor:
• A citizen is treated incorrectly in a foreign land – A saint is in bondage, under attack or otherwise tormented by the ways of this world or their situation refuses to come under the authority of God
• A citizen of the foreign land requests new citizenship – A sinner or backslider desires repentance and reconciliation to the Father

Prayer and intercessory prayer are two different things! Prayer and supplications go before God and include or own desires. They allow us to commune with God, share our thoughts, and fellowship with Him. However, INTERCESSORY PRAYER can go forth by permission only. These prayers invoke God based on His own laws, His own will and His own power, delegated to the intercessor.

In conclusion, Kingdom Ambassadors reconcile God's will and authority with a natural situation. Kingdom Ambassadors tap into the Father and pull His divine authority into the physical realm of this earth.