Key Takeaways
1. Intercession: A Powerful Ministry of Partnership with God
"Intercession is praying as directed and energized by the Holy Spirit for others."
Divine partnership. Intercession is a profound way to cooperate with God in shaping the course of history. It involves aligning our hearts with God's desires and praying His thoughts back to Him on behalf of others. This ministry is not reserved for a select few but is available to all believers.
Transformative power. Through intercession, we become recipients of part of God's mind and heart for others. This process changes us more quickly to become like Him than anything else. It leads to the deepest moves of God's Spirit, the greatest revelation of His heart, and the most intimate friendship with God.
Practical application. To engage in effective intercession:
- Seek God's direction for whom and what to pray
- Listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance
- Pray with faith and persistence
- Expect God to work in powerful and sometimes unexpected ways
2. The Importance of Knowing God's Character in Effective Prayer
"Our prayer life is only as powerful as our knowledge of the character of God—every single fascinating facet of it."
Foundation of faith. Understanding God's character is crucial for effective prayer. It shapes our expectations, fuels our faith, and informs how we approach God in intercession. The more we know about God's nature, the more confidently and accurately we can pray.
Practical study. To deepen our knowledge of God's character:
- Study Scripture systematically, focusing on God's attributes
- Meditate on biblical passages that reveal God's nature
- Reflect on personal experiences of God's faithfulness
- Learn from the testimonies of others who have walked closely with God
Transformative impact. As we grow in our understanding of God's character, our prayers become more aligned with His will. We pray with greater boldness, persistence, and faith, knowing that our requests are grounded in the reality of who God is.
3. Praying for Spiritual Leaders: A Critical Responsibility
"If we fear the devil, we have become impressed with him."
Strategic focus. Praying for spiritual leaders is crucial because they face unique challenges and have significant influence. Our intercession can provide vital support, protection, and empowerment for those in leadership positions.
Key areas for prayer:
- Wisdom and discernment in decision-making
- Protection from spiritual attacks and temptation
- Renewal of vision and passion for ministry
- Integrity in personal life and public ministry
- Ability to hear and obey God's voice
Practical approach. Regularly set aside time to pray for specific leaders by name. Stay informed about their ministries and challenges. Ask God to reveal specific ways to pray for them, and be willing to act on any practical promptings to support or encourage them.
4. Reaching the Unreached: Strategies for Global Evangelization
"God delights to give us these kinds of encouragement in His time."
Global vision. God's heart is for all people to know Him. As intercessors, we must develop a global perspective, praying for the unreached people groups around the world, particularly in the "10/40 window."
Strategic prayer:
- Pray for open doors in restricted areas
- Ask for divine revelations and dreams among unreached peoples
- Intercede for workers to be sent to specific unreached groups
- Pray for the translation and distribution of Scripture in native languages
- Ask for spiritual breakthroughs in resistant cultures
Personal involvement. While praying, remain open to God's call to personal involvement in global missions. This could mean going on short-term trips, supporting missionaries financially, or even becoming a full-time missionary.
5. Spiritual Warfare: Understanding and Engaging the Enemy
"We are only as strong against the frequent bombing raids and artillery fire of our enemy as he tries to wound and destroy the Body of Christ, as we are united."
Balanced perspective. Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare without becoming obsessed or fearful. Our focus should be on God's supreme authority and Christ's victory, not on the enemy's limited power.
Effective engagement:
- Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Resist the devil through submission to God (James 4:7)
- Use the Word of God as a sword against enemy attacks
- Engage in praise and worship to diffuse the enemy's power
- Maintain unity with other believers for strength in warfare
Continuous vigilance. Stay alert to the enemy's tactics without becoming paranoid. Cultivate a lifestyle of close communion with God, which is our best defense against spiritual attacks.
6. Unity in the Body of Christ: Essential for Revival
"Biblical unity is impenetrable, indomitable strength. Satan is no match for it."
Divine priority. Unity among believers is not optional; it's a crucial condition for revival and effective ministry. Jesus prayed for our unity as a testimony to the world (John 17:23).
Practical steps toward unity:
- Actively seek reconciliation with other believers
- Cultivate humility and a willingness to learn from others
- Focus on essential doctrines while allowing diversity in non-essentials
- Participate in cross-denominational prayer and ministry efforts
- Speak well of other believers and ministries, avoiding criticism and gossip
Personal responsibility. Each believer has a role in fostering unity. Examine your own heart for prejudices or divisions, and take initiative in building bridges with other believers and congregations.
7. Characteristics of Revival Praying: Fervor, Definition, and Faith
"Revival praying is desperate praying."
Passionate pursuit. Revival prayer is characterized by intense desire and fervent seeking after God. It's not casual or lukewarm but desperate and persistent.
Key elements of revival prayer:
- Recognition that revival is initiated by God
- Focused and specific requests for spiritual awakening
- Humble confession of personal and corporate sin
- Expectant faith in God's promises of revival
- Willingness to be changed and used by God in the process
Practical application. Set aside regular times for focused revival prayer. Use Scripture promises as a basis for your petitions. Be willing to pray with others, as corporate prayer often fuels greater fervor and faith for revival.
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FAQ
What's "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling" by Joy Dawson about?
- Focus on Intercession: The book explores the power and process of intercessory prayer, emphasizing its role in shaping history and impacting nations.
- Spiritual Growth: It aims to inspire readers to deepen their spiritual lives through effective prayer practices.
- Practical Guidance: Joy Dawson provides practical steps and principles for engaging in intercessory prayer, making it accessible for both new and seasoned believers.
- Personal Testimonies: The book includes personal stories and testimonies that illustrate the transformative power of intercession.
Why should I read "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Spiritual Enrichment: The book offers insights into deepening one's relationship with God through prayer.
- Practical Application: It provides actionable steps and principles for effective intercession, making it a practical guide for believers.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Joy Dawson's experiences and teachings are designed to inspire and motivate readers to engage more deeply in prayer.
- Impact on the World: The book emphasizes the role of prayer in influencing global events and shaping nations, offering a sense of purpose and impact.
What are the key takeaways of "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Power of Prayer: Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool for change, both personally and globally.
- God's Character: Understanding God's character is crucial for effective prayer, as it aligns our desires with His will.
- Persistence in Prayer: Consistent and fervent prayer is necessary to see significant spiritual breakthroughs.
- Unity and Revival: The book highlights the importance of unity among believers and the role of prayer in sparking revival.
What are the best quotes from "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling" and what do they mean?
- "Prayer is the match that lights the fuse to release the explosive power of the Holy Spirit in the affairs of men." This quote emphasizes the catalytic role of prayer in unleashing divine power.
- "God hears prayer. He answers faith." It underscores the importance of faith in prayer, suggesting that belief is key to receiving answers.
- "The more we pray for others, the less we'll need to pray for ourselves." This highlights the selfless nature of intercession and its transformative impact on the intercessor.
- "Revival is God greatly stirring, shaking, and changing His people from apathy, selfishness and self-promotion to a repentant, humble, fervently praying, and praising people." This quote defines revival as a profound spiritual awakening initiated by God.
How does Joy Dawson define intercession in "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Cooperation with God: Intercession is described as partnering with God in prayer to influence the affairs of men.
- Spirit-Led Prayer: It involves praying as directed and energized by the Holy Spirit, ensuring alignment with God's will.
- Focus on Others: Intercession is primarily about praying for the needs of others, rather than oneself.
- Transformative Power: It is portrayed as a means of experiencing God's heart and mind, leading to personal and communal transformation.
What are the "Principles for Effective Intercession" outlined by Joy Dawson?
- Praise and Worship: Begin with praising God, as it releases His power and sets the tone for effective prayer.
- Clean Heart: Ensure your heart is clean before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and cleanse any unconfessed sin.
- Holy Spirit's Enabling: Acknowledge the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in prayer.
- Wait for Direction: Spend time in silent expectancy, listening for God's direction before proceeding with intercession.
How does Joy Dawson suggest dealing with spiritual warfare in "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Focus on God's Authority: Keep your focus on the supreme authority of Jesus Christ, who has already defeated the enemy.
- Humility and Purity: Approach spiritual warfare with humility and ensure there is no unrepented sin in your life.
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Fulfill the conditions to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, as this is essential for effective spiritual combat.
- Unity Among Believers: Recognize the strength that comes from unity in the Body of Christ, which is impenetrable to the enemy.
What role does unity play in intercession according to "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Influence on the Lost: Unity among believers is the greatest factor in influencing the lost to commit their lives to Christ.
- Precondition for Revival: True revival requires unity, as it sets the stage for the Holy Spirit's outpouring.
- Overcoming Division: Unity helps overcome divisions within the Body of Christ, which can hinder effective prayer and spiritual growth.
- Reflecting God's Nature: Unity among believers reflects the unity within the Trinity, serving as a powerful testimony to the world.
How does Joy Dawson address the concept of revival in "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Initiated by God: Revival is always initiated by God, who stirs His people to see the need for it and to pray fervently.
- Characteristics of Revival: It involves a strong sense of God's presence, leading to repentance, joy, and a greater passion for God.
- Impact on Society: Genuine revival results in social reform and a significant increase in conversions and spiritual awakenings.
- Preparation for Revival: Believers must be prepared for revival through humility, repentance, and a willingness to embrace God's ways.
What advice does Joy Dawson give for praying for spiritual leaders in "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Honor and Support: Thank God for spiritual leaders and honor them for the high price they pay in leadership.
- Encouragement and Strength: Pray for their encouragement, comfort, and strength to endure the pressures of leadership.
- Integrity and Wisdom: Ask God to grant them integrity, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of His character and ways.
- Unity and Vision: Pray for unity among leaders and that they would have a vision for worldwide revival and evangelization.
How does "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling" suggest praying for the unevangelized?
- God's Perspective: Begin by understanding the unevangelized from God's perspective, recognizing His love and plans for them.
- Focus on God's People: Pray for the Body of Christ within unevangelized areas to be empowered, united, and bold in their witness.
- Revelation of Jesus: Ask God to reveal Himself to the unevangelized through dreams, visions, and the witness of believers.
- Spiritual Awakening: Pray for a great spiritual awakening among the unevangelized, leading to widespread conversions and discipleship.
What is the ultimate goal of intercession according to Joy Dawson in "Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling"?
- Glorifying God: The ultimate goal is to glorify God by aligning our prayers with His will and purposes.
- Transforming Lives: Intercession aims to transform lives, both of those being prayed for and the intercessors themselves.
- Shaping Nations: It seeks to influence and shape nations according to God's plans, bringing about spiritual and social change.
- Reflecting Christ's Love: Intercession reflects the love and compassion of Christ, who is the ultimate intercessor for humanity.
Review Summary
Intercession, thrilling and fulfilling receives high praise for its inspiring content on prayer and intercession. Readers appreciate the practical advice, biblical references, and real-life examples provided. Many found the book transformative, encouraging a deeper prayer life and spiritual growth. Some note it's best suited for committed Christians rather than beginners. The book covers various aspects of intercession, from praying for individuals to nations. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few readers found it challenging to implement the teachings fully.
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