Intercession 101

I just started reading the book "The Beginner's Guide to Intercession," by Dutch Sheets (click to buy it). I mentioned awhile ago that one of my goals was to get a group of intercessors together from my corps and work with them on their spiritual gift. Intercession is an important gifting for our corps, since intercession is one of the purposes God has for us in our community. It is interesting to see how many intercessors naturally come to our church and how many God has sent our way over the years!

Tomorrow we are having our first intercessor's meeting and our assignment was to read the first chapter of this book. Dutch Sheets is a good author so I dove in with anticipation. I was not disappointed!

The book is not complex or confusing- it is as the title says: "a beginner's guide." I look forward to working through it with my small group of 5. We will meet for 1 hour every week before our scheduled bible study at the corps.

Here is a wonderful illustration from the book:

"Ken and Barbara Gaub leaned to overcome financial lack through their relationship with God:

"Desperately needing a break from their missions work in Kentucky, the Gaubs headed for their parents' home in Washington. Traveling in below-zero weather was challenging- especially with a baby and a partially working car heater. Upon reaching Colorado, they had only a little bit of change left, so Ken pulled into a parking lot to discuss with Barbara what they should do about their critical financial situation.

"In amazement Barbara said, 'We do what we preach. We believe the Lord and pray.' Bowing their heads, they asked the Lord to send help for them. When finished praying, they drove to a service station and sat there, wondering what step to take next.

"Another car pulled in behind them, and a lady got our and came up to their window. Very excitedly, she remarked, 'I saw you parked back by the grocery store with your heads bowed. I told my husband that I believed you were Christians and that you were praying for financial assistance. I want to help you.' Reaching in the window, she placed money in their hands.

"Overwhelmed at the miracle they held, they thanked her and praised God for His provision."

Why is it we are surprised when God actually answers prayer? All it takes is our putting our faith on the line and trusting God to do what he has said he would do.

Powerful intercession is as simple as that!