On this page we plan to do several things.

First, there are a number of different activities which are often referred to as intercession. We will provide an explanation of different reasons and methods of praying, and outline what it is that distinguishes true intercession from other forms of prayer.

Second, the function or office of intercessor is not always well understood, and is easily abused. We will provide some teaching about what it means to be an intercessor, and the place intercessors occupy in the body of Christ.

Third, an intercessor can not function alone, but needs support, encouragement, and even protection from others in the Body of Christ. They also need to check their listening with others who are able to hear the voice of God. We plan to assist in linking people together to provide a community within which intercessors can learn their task in safety and function well.

Fourth, as well as listening to God, an intercessor's primary task, they also need to know what is happening in the community and the world. In particular, it is helpful if they are in touch with other intercessors. To assist in this we will provide access to communication facilities and news of what Jesus is doing in the community and the world.

So, whether you believe God has called you to be an intercessor, want to find out, or just love to pray, this page is for you!

What is Intercession?
Paul enjoins us to "pray without ceasing" ( 1Thes 5:17) and "always in the Spirit" (Eph 6:18). These give us a clue to the difference between prayer and the intercession spoken of in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Rom 8:26,27). Jesus intercedes for us (Heb 7:25). When we pray like Jesus and the Holy Spirit we are interceding. It is more than words - indeed often words will just not do (Rom 8:26) - but it is a way of being, a lifestyle of constant prayerful attention to everything the Father says.

A pray-er talks to God, sharing their own or others' needs and desires. An intercessor listens to God and responds to His desires.

It is done without ceasing, day and night. This helps to put Paul's wish that all spoke in tongues (1 Cor 14:5) into some perspective. Praying "in the Spirit" makes such a feat possible. Clearly, in public (in the church) prophecy is supreme, but when it comes to intercession, then tongues comes into its own (1 Cor 14:14-19). One can even intercede while asleep. Intercessors testify to often waking in the night to find themselves already praying. Who hasn't woken up weeping?

Of course, it isn't all in tongues. Like one who prophecies, an intercessor often hears the Word of the Lord and speaks it out, or hears God's desire and agrees in prayer with their companions.

The Intercessors Handbook, used by Intercessors for Melbourne, describes intercession as ...

Finding out what is on God's heart, then speaking and living it back to Him through identification and sacrifice until there is release.

Who is an Intercessor?
Just as "all may prophecy" (1 Cor 14:31,39) but not all are prophets (1 Cor 12:28,29; Eph 4:11), so too all may, and should, intercede. But some are called to a ministry of intercession. Intercession is a prophetic ministry, using a mixture of spiritual gifts not unlike those used by a prophet.

Intercession will be a major, perhaps the major focus of an intercessor's life. As Johannes Facius says, intercession is "a position we take before God in a particular situation and for a specific cause, and not just something we do for a couple of hours."

The prophet Isaiah describes the calling of the intercessor:

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord. give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7

Several kinds of intercessor and intercession can been identified. In no particular order, some of these are:

• Strategic Intercessors - are aware of the battle in the heavenlies and engage in warfare prayer.
• Crisis Intercessors - pray for emergencies and are always on call.
• Prophetic Intercessors - the eyes and ears of the Body, hearing God's plans.
• Administrative Intercessors - leaders and encouragers of intercession, forming prayer chains, networks, newsletters and crisis lines.
• Personal Intercessors - provide personal prayer cover for a leader, with a leader's knowledge and agreement.
• Intercessors for the Nations - have a burden for the healing and evangelisation of societies and nations.
• Healing Intercessors - used to help bring healing to wounded people.

Intercession Community
There are several ways in which the intercessor needs to find community.

First, the intercessor must be firmly established in a local church, under the covering of the Body of Christ. Much damage is done by people claiming to speak for the Lord without being submitted to the body where their words can be tested and their behaviour can be held accountable. Such intercessors also place themselves in danger. The ministry of the intercessor, like other spiritual offices, is a gift to the church, not to the intercessor themselves. An intercessor should minister only under the authority of their pastor(s).

Second, intercessors need to encouragement and guidance of other intercessors, just as the Old Testament prophets used to associate together in schools of prophets. This is where groups such as Intercessors for Melbourne and Intercessors for Hobsons Bay are important. They provide fellowship and training, as well as opportunities to intercede for our city together. If their is such a group in your city, you would be wise to join it. The IFM website will have the details. If their is no such group, then approach IFM about starting one. IFHB is also willing to assist you.

Third, an effective intercessor needs to be in touch with the community for whom they intercede. Intercession is about identification with those on God's heart. The intercessors of the Old Testament, like Jesus in the New Testament, were fully involved with those they served. It is probably impossible to pray effectively while remaining detached.

The Internet, particularly by means of email, is already a vital part of the intercessors' communication network, because it is very fast, simple to use, widespread, and low cost. In addition, feel free to join, or even begin, forums and chatrooms for intercessors.

Intercession Resources
There are many books, journals and articles being produced about intercession. This is not just because intercession has become a fad. Rather, it is because God is doing something mighty in our world. Great cultural changes are taking place, and God is moving to win people to Himself. Amos says, "Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) With any move of God there will be an outpouring of prophecy and intercession, and God's people need to be instructed once again in how to listen to the Lord and respond in obedience.

As well as listing online resources in the Library and Directory pages, and events in our Calendar page, we plan to place articles and teaching materials on this site and other sites dedicated to intercession. We will also alert you to the formation and activities of intercession groups, and of any training opportunites. As well, we will review books that have proven to be valuable in this ministry.

Intercessors for Melbourne produces a newsletter, Watchman, which is very helpful. Also, Morning Star Journal, a prophetic magazine useful for its teaching, also produces Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin, which keeps intercessors in touch with world events. There are many websites and email lists, some overseas and some local, such as that produced by Brian Pickering of the Australian Prayer Network, which are very good.

There are many other resources, which we will list in due course.