Eph. 6:18 APNT
And with all prayers and with all petitions, pray at all times spiritually, and in prayer, be watchful in every season, praying continually and interceding for all the holy [ones],
This verse in KJV has two times “supplication” is used. The first one is petitions and the last intercession.
Two points in this verse:
- Be watchful. This is the first element of intercession. Keep our eyes open, not only for our own needs but the needs of others. If I’m setting my mind and turning my eyes to be observant of the needs of others then I’ll see things that need prayerful attention.
Micah 7:7 ESV But as for me, I will look to the LORD; [watch closely, spy] I will wait [expectantly] for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
- Second element is to persevere, “continually”
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2 ESV)
The word “intercession” comes from two Latin words: “inter” which means between and “cession” which means to move. So it means to move between. If I see the enemy attacking another believer in the family of God I move between the enemy and the believer with my sword. That is the basic picture of intercession. I move between them with the sword of the spirit and do as God reveals and directs.
A simple definition of intercession is to meet with God to entreat or ask Him for something specific for another person or for yourself. The simple picture is to meet. We meet with God in prayer for a specific purpose. Using the example of the enemy attacking my friend, if I want to intercede, I have to meet with God to entreat of Him an answer to help him [entreat earnestly]. I am seeking for a specific answer from God to help in a specific situation. Whenever we make intercession for someone, we are meeting with God on behalf of or in place of that person and standing in the gap for them.
