Intercession = high-level prayer-power on behalf of others
From LifeLift Assessment D = Spiritual Gifts
The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace believing for profound results.
An intercessor serves as a mediator between us and God. And, even though Jesus is our mediator AND even though we can all approach God’s throne boldly, some people have the calling— and the capacity— to approach Heaven on our behalf. Even when we aren’t there.
Introvert intercessors & extroverts both needed
My friend Mark is an intercessor. He loves prayer and relishes his time alone with God.
He’s also an extrovert, and likes leading prayer walks in distressed neighborhoods throughout our city, complete with loud praise music resounding through large speakers on the bed of a pickup truck that leads the way.
For a season he partnered with the local police chief and even had escort service, as 100s gathered with him and his team. They prayed together, and then they held a massive cookout to which the neighborhood was invited.
That’s one expression of this gift.
Put the pieces together— first birth & second birth
In the LiftLift framework we note that both your created design (that is, the way God designed you at birth) and your supernatural design (second birth) are equally important.
We need to remember this when it comes to the gift of intercession (as well as other gifts).
Notice how this works with your personality:
- Someone with the gift of intercession who is an introvert might prefer to pray alone— and be able to do so for hours (and actually enjoy it). This is how we usually envision this gift operating.
- An extrovert with this gift might burnish at the thought of spending hours alone in a prayer closet, but might relish praying for individuals— out loud— at a face-to-face gathering, on a prayer line, or in a group.
Neither expression of the gift is right or wrong. Each design— and expression of the gift— is needed.
For more on this gift see also Hebrews 7:25, Colossians 1:9-12, Colossians 4:12-13, James 5:14-16.
