PRAYER

Lesson 2

Different Kinds Of Prayer

Part 1-Intercessions, Travails, And Groanings

The Bible teaches and demonstrates several different kinds of prayers. The different types of prayers are defined by both the original language definition and the purpose of the prayer.

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints [God’s consecrated people]. – Ephesians 6:18 AMPC

INTERCESSION

Intercession may be both the most common type of prayer, and at the same time, the least understood and misused. It is only one type of prayer. Not all prayer is intercession. The Body of Christ has taken some intercession to extremes. There is no such thing as the office of an intercessor. Every Christian is called to intercede.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; – 1 Timothy 2:1

Intercession literally means to come along aside someone and aid them. Intercession also means to intervene on the behalf of someone, or to light upon (like a butterfly). Intercession can best be described as “standing in the gap” for someone. The “gap” refers to a hole in someone’s defenses or wall, allowing destruction, judgment, calamity, or harm to take place.

And I sought 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. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. – Exekiel 22:30-31

God is looking for us to intercede on behalf of someone so His will can be done in his or her life. This shows God’s desire to bless people despite their own foolishness and sin. Their sin deserves judgment, but He is still looking to bless and help them. The Spirit of God will often lead us to intercede for someone. Intercession changes the course of life for people. It helps them to not reap what they have sown. In some instances, it even stays/postpones the judgment of God.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF INTERCESSION

Abraham prayed to God (interceded) on behalf of King Abimelech for healing (Genesis 20:7, 17).
Abraham prayed to God on behalf of Lot and his family to spare them from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-33).
Moses interceded numerous times on behalf of Israel to avert their destruction. (Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106:23, “breach”).
Moses interceded for Miriam and her leprosy (Numbers 12:1-13).
God sought for a man to “stand in the gap” for Israel but could find none (Ezekiel 22:30-31).
Jeremiah tried to intercede for Israel to turn away God’s wrath (Jeremiah 18:20).
King David interceded on behalf of Israel during judgment (2 Samuel 24:17).
King David interceded for the life of his child by Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-23).
The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered, and in doing so, He prays out the will of God for our lives (Romans 8:26-27).

GROANINGS AND TRAVAILINGS IN THE SPIRIT

One interesting aspect of intercession are “groanings in the spirit.” This is a biblical experience and can accompany prayer at times. It can often scare those who are unfamiliar with these experiences.

Jesus groaned within Himself on at least two occasions (John 11:33, 38).
Paul was “stirred” (provoked, angered) in his spirit at idolatry (Acts 17:16).
Paul was “pressed” (urged, compelled) in his spirit to evangelize the Jews (Acts 18:5).
The Holy Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
Paul “travailed in birth” until Christ was formed in the Galatian believers again.
They had backslidden by keeping the Mosaic Law, and Paul had to intercede for them to get right. Paul described this kind of prayer as “travailing in birth” (Galatians 4:19).

INTERCESSION SCENARIOS

We can intercede for an individual’s salvation (from both hell and natural destruction).
We can intercede for an individual’s healing.
We can intercede for an individual’s decision-making and mental faculties.

JESUS-OUR INTERCESSOR

The Bible teaches us Jesus is still interceding for us.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who maketh intercession for us. – Romans 8:34
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:25

Jesus is still coming along side of us to aid us and intervene on our behalf. Amen!!

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PRAYER

Lesson 2

Different Kinds Of Prayer

Part 1-Intercessions, Travails, And Groanings

The Bible teaches and demonstrates several different kinds of prayers. The different types of prayers are defined by both the original language definition and the purpose of the prayer.

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints [God’s consecrated people]. – Ephesians 6:18 AMPC

INTERCESSION

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; – 1 Timothy 2:1

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF INTERCESSION

Abraham prayed to God (interceded) on behalf of King Abimelech for healing (Genesis 20:7, 17).

Abraham prayed to God on behalf of Lot and his family to spare them from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-33).

Moses interceded numerous times on behalf of Israel to avert their destruction. (Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106:23, “breach”).

Moses interceded for Miriam and her leprosy (Numbers 12:1-13).

God sought for a man to “stand in the gap” for Israel but could find none (Ezekiel 22:30-31).

Jeremiah tried to intercede for Israel to turn away God’s wrath (Jeremiah 18:20).

King David interceded on behalf of Israel during judgment (2 Samuel 24:17).

King David interceded for the life of his child by Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered, and in doing so, He prays out the will of God for our lives (Romans 8:26-27).

GROANINGS AND TRAVAILINGS IN THE SPIRIT

One interesting aspect of intercession are “groanings in the spirit.” This is a biblical experience and can accompany prayer at times. It can often scare those who are unfamiliar with these experiences.

Jesus groaned within Himself on at least two occasions (John 11:33, 38).

Paul was “stirred” (provoked, angered) in his spirit at idolatry (Acts 17:16).

Paul was “pressed” (urged, compelled) in his spirit to evangelize the Jews (Acts 18:5).

The Holy Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

Paul “travailed in birth” until Christ was formed in the Galatian believers again.

They had backslidden by keeping the Mosaic Law, and Paul had to intercede for them to get right. Paul described this kind of prayer as “travailing in birth” (Galatians 4:19).

INTERCESSION SCENARIOS

We can intercede for an individual’s salvation (from both hell and natural destruction).

We can intercede for an individual’s healing.

We can intercede for an individual’s decision-making and mental faculties.

JESUS-OUR INTERCESSOR

The Bible teaches us Jesus is still interceding for us.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who maketh intercession for us. – Romans 8:34

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:25

Jesus is still coming along side of us to aid us and intervene on our behalf. Amen!!

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