The Power of Intercessory Prayer

INTRODUCTION

As believers, we often wonder how we can make the most significant impact in the lives of those who are far from God. While sharing the gospel is crucial, there is another powerful way we can influence the salvation of others—through intercessory prayer. Today, we will explore three key aspects of intercessory prayer that demonstrate its power in reaching the lost.

Spiritual Warfare Points:

I. Praying for Hearts to Be Opened:

Scripture: Acts 16:14

“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”

• Explanation: Just as the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to the message of the gospel, we can pray that God would do the same for those who are lost. The human heart is often hardened by sin, pride, or indifference. But through our prayers, God can soften and open hearts, making them receptive to His truth.

II. Praying Against Spiritual Blindness:

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

• Explanation: Spiritual blindness prevents many from seeing the truth of the gospel. The enemy works tirelessly to keep people in darkness. However, our prayers can break through this blindness, allowing the light of Christ to shine in their lives.

• Illustration: Imagine someone walking in complete darkness, unable to see anything around them. They stumble and fall because they are blind to the dangers. But when light is introduced, they can see clearly and find their way. Our prayers bring that light to those who are spiritually blind.

III. Praying for Divine Appointments:

Scripture: Acts 8:26-31

The angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” … Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

• Explanation: Divine appointments are orchestrated by God to bring the right person at the right time to share the gospel with someone in need. When we pray for divine appointments, we ask God to arrange encounters where the lost can hear the gospel in a personal and meaningful way.

• Illustration: Consider Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was led by the Spirit to meet the eunuch at just the right moment to explain the Scriptures and lead him to Christ. Our prayers can lead to similar divine appointments in the lives of those we intercede for.

APPLICATION:

1.Identify people in your life who seem resistant to the gospel. Commit to praying specifically for their hearts to be opened to the message of salvation.

2.Pray specifically against the spiritual forces that blind the minds of unbelievers. Ask God to remove the scales from their eyes so they can see the truth of the gospel.

3. Pray for God to arrange divine appointments in the lives of the lost. Ask Him to send believers into their paths, to share the gospel in a way that resonates with them.