Qualifying
as An Intercessor
by
Pastor Jack Hayford
A number of years ago our church family felt
called of God to begin a consistent ministry of prayer for our nation
and its concerns. Wanting so deeply to be used by our Lord in this
effort, we wrestled with a number of “points for repentance” to
prepare our hearts for prayer.
I don’t list these basic characteristics of an intercessor so that
anyone can claim perfection or now-I've-arrived holiness,
but rather to encourage a thoroughgoing humility of
heart and openness
before God.
Second Chronicles 7:14 clearly requires that
I confess my sinning, that I humble myself before
God, and that I turn from my wicked (warped, twisted out
of shape) ways.
Charles Finney, the great evangelist of the nineteenth
century, said of repentance: “It implies an intellectual and hearty
giving up of all controversy with God upon all and every point…a
thorough and hearty abandonment of all excuses and apologies for
sin.”
The wisest believer is that one who comes open-hearted
for cleansing, and who knows that God’s summons to repentance (a
progressive alteration of my way of thought, attitudes of mind,
and inclinations of heart) is a gracious Summons. He invites
us to cleaning and forgiveness, but not to self-condemnation or
a death-cleaning despair.
In other words, introspection and confession
are to release us…and that release opens the door for bold, history-shaping,
nation-changing intercession. Take these points in prayerful transparency
before the Lord. Let us be rid of every hindrance so that our boldness
in prayer will not be limited.
Study these references and pray,
Father, keep me from any vestige of...
-
Religious pride
and self-righteousness (Matthew 6:5-6, Luke 18:10-14);
-
Self-will, selfishness,
covetousness (Matthew 6:19-21, James 4:3);
-
Faithlessness,
doubt, unbelief, anxiety (James 1:5-7, Matthew 6:25-34);
-
Not loving, respecting,
and applying God's Word (Proverbs 1:28-29, 28:9);
-
Spiritual adulteries,
having idols in the heart (Ezekiel 14:3-13, 2 Corinthians 6:14);
-
Unforgiveness,
resentment, having a critical spirit (Mark 11:25, Matthew 5:21-26);
-
Family discord,
not being a responsible spouse (1 Peter 3:1-7);
-
Not being open
and honest with the brethren (James 5:16);
-
Rebellion, being
unwilling to be corrected (Proverbs 1:28-31);
-
Not having true
concern for the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 21:13, Isaiah 1:15,17).
We are entering great days. I’ve said it several
times lately. I’m more convinced than ever before that our mighty
Lord is preparing to do a great work among His people. It is task—and
great joy—to keep step with Him. Follow His Lead. Hearing His voice.
Ours is the only army in the world that marches
on its knees. And what power! |
"Brethren,
having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living
way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20
  Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233
(800) 776-8180 * FAX: (818) 779-8411
Privacy
Statement
Last updated on: 7/09/03
|
