Thoughts for Life: #11 Intercession is a Spiritual Warfare

C. Peter Wagner shares with us, Jane Anne Pratt is one of Doris's and my personal prayer partners.

She is a member of the Dallas, Texas staff of the Eastern European Seminary mission organization.

Even before she was a staff member she had been called as a personal intercessor for John Maisel, the mission's president.

Jane, I might mention, is a mature, seasoned and experienced intercessor.

In the days soon after the Iron curtain had come down, John Maisel had made another of his frequent trips to the eastern bloc.

This time he lectured on 'Is Jesus God?' at Moscow State University, then to a crowd of 20,000 to 30,000 in Bucharest, then home to their base in Vienna.

Jane, in Dallas, was much in prayer for him.

The lecture turned out to be excellent and many were saved.

Obviously the forces of darkness were greatly upset, not only by Maisel's lecture in Moscow, but by the power channeled through Hane's intercession in Dallas.

What happened shows the degree to which intercession for leaders is in essence spiritual warfare.

On one of those nights at 2:00 A.M., Jane Anne Pratt was awakened by the presence of an incredible force of darkness there in her room.

She says, 'I battled in prayer and still it was more that I could handle.It drained my whole energy and life support system. I couldn't move—I was totally paralyzed.'

As she communed with the Holy Spirit she was assured that John himself was in no particular danger a that time.

She sensed that 'this powerful force of darkness had been sent to destroy John, but it had attacked me because I was standing in the gap.'

At the peak of the battle, Jane cried out for reinforcements, both angels and intercessors. God sent them both.

In the twinkling of an eye, Jane sensed an angel come into the room and usher out the spirit of darkness. The battle was over but Jane felt limp and drained.

Then a fever and laryngitis came. But she rejoiced that the victory had been the Lord's.

The next morning the answering machine in Jane's office recorded a call from Cindy Jacobs who, like Jane, is one of my 19 personal prayer partners.

Jane returned her call and routinely asked Cindy how she felt. Cindy's response was unforgettable.

'I'm fine, Jane,' she said, 'but the question is how are you?

What was that incredible force of darkness in your room at 2:00 A.M. this morning?

That was one of the most powerful principalities I have encountered! I was doing battle with you in intercession until its power was broken!'

Both Jane and Cindy are veteran spiritual warriors. Although the intensity of this battle was unusual, incidents like this are not.

As intercessors, they expect frequent bouts with the spirits of wickedness out to destroy the work of God.

I agree with Edwin Stube who says, 'Intercessory prayer is warfare, and the principal way in which the warfare is carried on.

The warfare has to be won first in prayer and then worked out in practice."

Today’s post -#1 The Power of Personal Prayer Partners, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 34, 35) By Regal Books

The next post is to be 7/25, Paul's Prayer Partners: Eodia and Syntyche, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.

Let’s pray: Father, I trust that I'm being useful in praying for my own spiritual leaders. Make me aware of their particular needs, so I can pray effectively and fervently for them daily. I understand that my intercession is absolutely necessary to help bring them protection, provision, and inspiration. Bless them, their families, and their effect in the Kingdom's work here. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 35:23 "Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord."

Today’s quote: John Flavel -"Whatever be the ground of one's distress, it should drive him to, not from God."

Our thought today: It is a privilege in Christ to enter the place of prayer: Enter with a heart of thanksgiving, Bible open, pen in hand, with a heart of worship, ready to speak, longing to hear, and eager to respond!

Another good thought: Do you understand that for the joy set before Christ, He endured the sufferings of the Cross for you? He could see you way back then, (2,000 years ago), and chose to take your sins upon Himself, and suffer the punishment that you deserve. He longs to have us come to Him to accept what He’s accomplished. He wants us to spend eternity with Him, and to enjoy all the beauties of Heaven! Won't you ask Him into your heart right now? If you will, He's right there with you, and He'll save you. Then begin to seek a Bible-centered church, my friend, and get with other believers who can encourage, instruct, and help you in your new faith.

Tomorrow’s post: Imaginary Friend? Dennis Fisher

A popular post: Thoughts and Temptations: Prayer Note #80
We can take captive the thoughts Satan sends.