“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” (Ezek. 22:30)
What is prayer intercession? Prayer Intercession is being an advocate on behalf of someone else physically or spiritually. Prayer Intercession is standing in another place before God to stay the hand of destruction. Prayer intercession is a prayer shield to ward off the attacks of the enemy. God said to Ezekiel that he looked for an intercessor that would stand in the gap but found none. Spiritual intercession is the hand of God reaching down and connecting with our problems, situations, circumstances and affairs.
Intercession is a background support ministry to the Body of Christ. This is a very important assignment. Much evil and various sins have entered our society because we as intercessors have not remained faithful in guarding, protecting, shielding and hedging. Thereby opening the door to the spirit of destruction. “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor…” (Isa. 59:16).
If intercessors were on their guard in prayer, God would not have any need to say He was unable to find them. Where are the faithful intercessors? As intercessors we operate and move in two worlds, the physical and spiritual. Therefore, it is imperative to guard your spiritual post. Any effective prophetic intercessor must have a quiet place, a place to get away and be alone. The Psalmist says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). On many occasions Jesus went to a solitary place to pray and to be alone, especially right after ministering. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus would arise and go to a solitary place, where He prayed (Mark 1:35).
Another requirement for effective intercession is being righteous before God. That means to confess and repent of un-confessed sin and clothe yourselves in righteousness. When it seems as though you have difficulty getting into the presence of God, begin by sitting still and begin to speak in your heavenly language (tongues) for it makes your faith stronger. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20).
The character of intercessors should be integrity, humility, loyalty, honesty and faithfulness. Character is the real you, not your gift Intercessional gift on display.