Sally breathed a sigh of relief. She was asked by a staff to be on their intercessory team prayer. Although hesitant, she felt an urge from the Holy Spirit to say yes. After receiving training, Sally acknowledged that she was called to be an intercessor. She just didn’t know that writing a list and praying over them daily and being persistent was just a different way for the Holy Spirit to care for and protect the InterVarsity staff.
What is an intercessor?
An intercessor prays on behalf of others. “The word ‘intercede’ means ‘to go between.” Thus, an intercessor is a mediator, meeting with God, requesting for the release of God’s desires and praying for the breaking of the works of the evil one. The needs of others take preference over personal needs. Our example of the ultimate intercessor is Jesus (Romans 8:33-34).
These are possible characteristics of an intercessor:
- Loves to pray and loves to pray for others (1 Peter 4:8)
- Often the Holy Spirit will place a burden on the heart of the intercessor about what to pray for and understands listening prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
- She or he prays out of a Spirit of humility (Matthew 23:11)
- Is a person of compassion (Colossians 3:12)
- Often is a person of great faith (Hebrews 11:6)
- Has the gift of discernment (Acts 22:10)
- Believes the Word of God, is well-versed in praying God’s promises, and is persistent in praying through an issue (Luke 18:1)
- Trained in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Intercessory prayer types
People pray in diverse ways. We refer to this as intercessory prayer types. This is important to understand for the sake of unity and agreement in prayer. Here are four possible types of intercessors you may consider in developing your intercessory team. Please note that some intercessors are a combination of various types.
The Warrior
Strengths: The warrior intercessor is often intense and passionate. Often, they pray loud and can pray for long periods of time. They have great endurance and are individuals prepared to “fight” in prayer (Ephesians 6:10-20). They like to be active when praying—using various prayer positions (moving, pacing, raising hands, etc.). Also, they experience an anointing to break demonic powers in prayer.
Weaknesses: The warrior intercessor can get burned out or wounded in the “battle.” At times, other prayer warriors may feel intimidated by how they pray.
The Watchperson
Strengths: The watchperson intercessor is alert to danger and skilled at discernment. They are on the lookout for what the enemy is doing as well as God’s activity. They are a valuable asset for strategy.
Weaknesses: Watchperson intercessors can tend to be loners and are often misunderstood. Prayer is needed for them not to become dogmatic—demanding that leaders take a certain course of action based on their discernment. They need to be reminded of the importance of community discernment.
The Scribe
Strengths: The scribe intercessor is detail oriented and focused. They tend to like lists and find enjoyment in praying through the lists. They are great organizers.
Weaknesses: Scribes, if not careful, can miss the direction and flow of the Holy Spirit. Often, they can experience guilt because they can’t pray through all the prayer requests in a day. They need to be careful not to become overwhelmed.
The Priest
Strengths: The priestly intercessor focuses on worship as a lifestyle and worship is offered as a form of intercession and spiritual warfare. They tend to be joyful intercessors where praise, thanks, joy, and singing break the power of the evil one. This intercessor pours out his/her life to help others; actually, feeling the infirmities of the individual (group). Thus, they have the gifts of compassion and mercy.
Weaknesses: The priestly intercessor can carry heavy burdens and she/he needs to learn to release them to the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is important in learning about the different types of intercessors is the call by God for unity among his followers. Jesus prays in John 17:21 that we should be one as believers and Romans 12:6-8 that all gifts are to bless the body of those in the fellowships. What freedom there is and empowerment when we acknowledge that God uses all intercessors for the good of the kingdom.
Further Resources
http://thepracticaldisciple.com/whats-your-intercessory-prayer-personality/