Article and video about the connection between discernment and intercession.
Biblically, intercession is understood as mediation. A mediator must credibly identify with both sides. There is a back and forth dynamic in intercessory prayer, sometimes pictured as “standing in the gap”—we are paying attention to the reality in heaven and on earth. How does God care about the issues and feelings on all sides? Listening is key. Intercession always begins with listening, observing, asking, hearing. Intercessory prayer is drawn to the greatest tension—what is the heart of the issue? Paul tells us that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus are interceding for us. Therefore, we can ask, “Lord, how are you praying for this? What are you doing here? How do you want us to pray?” Discernment is important, which is why interceding in groups is preferable. We need to rely on the Lord for both the target (what is the “on earth as it is in heaven” outcome we are seeking in prayer) and the strategy (how we are to pray or embody this longing).
