Summary
This sermon explored the calling to intercession - standing in the gap through prayer on behalf of others. Pastor Suzy shared personal testimonies of how God transformed her understanding of prayer from mere insomnia to divine calling, including powerful stories of interceding for someone contemplating suicide and praying for family members' salvation. The message emphasized that intercession is not just about praying for others, but about cultivating intimacy with Jesus and partnering with Him in His work. God is looking for ordinary, humble people willing to respond to His call to stand in the gap, just as He searched for someone in Ezekiel's time. Pastor Suzy challenged us to recognize the stirrings in our hearts as potential calls to intercession and to step into this privilege of partnering with God in prayer.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds. We thank You for the privilege of gathering together to learn more about prayer and intercession. Lord, we ask that You would speak to each person here today through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us and show us about our prayer lives. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions, and help us to hear Your voice clearly. We surrender our own agendas and ask that You would align our hearts with Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing that tends to wake you up in the middle of the night or keep you from sleeping well?
Key Verses
Ezekiel 22:30
Exodus 33
2 Chronicles 7:14
Questions
Have you ever experienced a time when you felt a burden or stirring in your heart to pray for someone or something? How did you respond?
What does it mean to you that Jesus is interceding for us at the right hand of the Father?
Pastor Suzy mentioned choosing between sleep and prayer when woken up at night. What are some things that compete with your prayer time, and how do you handle those tensions?
How does knowing that God is looking for 'ordinary people' rather than experts change your perspective on being called to intercession?
Share about a time when someone interceded for you in prayer. How did that impact your life?
What barriers or fears might prevent someone from stepping into a deeper prayer life or intercession ministry?
The message emphasized that intercession cultivates intimacy with God. How have you seen your relationship with God grow through prayer?
What stirring or burden do you sense God might be placing on your heart for intercession - whether for individuals, your community, or specific issues?
Life Application
This week, commit to responding to any middle-of-the-night stirrings or burdens on your heart by praying instead of dismissing them. Additionally, identify one person or situation that God has been placing on your heart and commit to interceding for them daily this week. Consider joining the church's prayer meetings on Saturday mornings or weekday morning prayer calls to practice intercession in community.
Key Takeaways
Intercession means standing in the gap - going before God on behalf of others, just as Jesus intercedes for us at the Father's right hand
God is searching for ordinary, humble people willing to partner with Him in prayer, not just pastors or spiritual experts
Intercession cultivates intimacy with God - it's not just about praying for others but about growing closer to Jesus through the process
When we align our hearts with God's will, intercession releases His mercy and power in powerful ways that can transform lives and cities
We may not always see the immediate results of our intercession, but God is always working and may reveal the impact years later
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible privilege of intercession and for the example You set as our ultimate intercessor. We are humbled that You choose to partner with us in prayer and that You search for ordinary people like us to stand in the gap. Holy Spirit, help us to recognize Your stirrings in our hearts and give us the courage to respond with 'Here I am, Lord.' For those You are calling into deeper intercession, provide them with mentors and community to grow in this calling. Help us to value our intimacy with You above our comfort and convenience. May we be faithful to intercede for our families, our city, and those You place on our hearts. Transform us through prayer and use us to see Your kingdom come in San Jose and beyond. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
