“You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest…
till He establishes Guildford and makes her the praise of the Country.”
Definition
Intercession is standing before God on behalf of others, carrying their condition, resistance, and destiny until heaven’s will is released on earth. Intercession is the act by which the Church takes responsibility for what others cannot yet carry for themselves. It is costly, hidden, and often misunderstood, but it is the means by which God advances His purposes in the face of resistance.
Biblical Foundation
The Biblical Language of Intercession
There are two key words that shape the doctrine:
-
Hebrew (OT): pāgaʿ (פָּגַע)
-
Greek (NT): entygchánō (ἐντυγχάνω)
I. Old Testament — פָּגַע (pāgaʿ) Pāgaʿ means to strike, to collide with, or to come forcefully upon a situation — deliberately stepping into the point of judgment, sin, danger, or crisis in order to confront it and redirect its outcome according to God’s will.
In biblical intercession, pāgaʿ describes an intercessor who:
-
Steps into the line of fire
-
Takes the impact meant for others
-
Strikes spiritually at the precise point God directs
Key intercessory use
“He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
2. New Testament— (entygchánō)
Intercession in the Greek New Testament
1. This word defines how intercession works under the New Covenant.
It is very different in tone from Hebrew pāgaʿ, but not weaker.
Transliteration: entygchánō
Root: τυγχάνω (tynchánō) — to meet, encounter, obtain
Prefix: ἐν (en) — in, toward, with access
2. Meaning:
-
to approach someone with confidence
-
to appeal or petition
-
to make a formal request
-
to plead a case before authority
This is not begging language. It is access-and-standing language.
Romans 8:34
“Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is interceding (ἐντυγχάνει) for us.”
The Fivefold Priestly Scopes of Intercession
Scripture reveals that intercession operates through distinct priestly reaches—each one authorized by God, purposeful, and measurable in effect. In Christ, every believer is made a priest before God and is therefore granted a priestly scope of intercession.
“He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Rev 1:6)
1. He pleased the Father.
Hebrews 11:6
“He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”
2. He destroyed the dominion of the devil.
1 John 3:8
“The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.”
3. He overcame His sufferings and temptations through prayer.
Hebrews 5:7
“He was heard because of His reverent submission.”
4. He gave birth to His Church (He labored for it).
Matthew 16:18
“I will build My church & the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
5. He secured for humanity eternal and complete salvation.
Hebrews 7:25a
“He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.”
The Fivefold Human-Side Model Of Intercession
Drawn Directly from Hebrews 5:7–10
1. “In the days of His flesh…” (Hebrews 5:7a)
Intercession belongs to earthly, incarnational humanity
2. “He offered up prayers and supplications” (Heb 5:7b)
Intentional priestly human decision to stand before God
3. “With loud cries and tears…” (Hebrews 5:7c)
True priesthood involves the full engagement of humanity expression of a burden
4. “He was heard because of His reverent submission” (Heb 5:7d)
Heaven responds where reverent submission governs the intercessor.
5. “And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation, to all who obey Him.”” (Hebrews 5:9)
Through obedience, the intercessor is authorized by God to stand in places where lives, situations, and nations are affected and transformed by the intercessory prayer.
Biblical Foundation
The Biblical Language of Intercession
There are two key words that shape the doctrine:
-
Hebrew (OT): pāgaʿ (פָּגַע)
-
Greek (NT): entygchánō (ἐντυγχάνω)
I. Old Testament — פָּגַע (pāgaʿ) Pāgaʿ means to strike, to collide with, or to come forcefully upon a situation — deliberately stepping into the point of judgment, sin, danger, or crisis in order to confront it and redirect its outcome according to God’s will.
In biblical intercession, pāgaʿ describes an intercessor who:
-
Steps into the line of fire
-
Takes the impact meant for others
-
Strikes spiritually at the precise point God directs
Key intercessory use
“He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
2. New Testament— (entygchánō)
Intercession in the Greek New Testament
1. This word defines how intercession works under the New Covenant.
It is very different in tone from Hebrew pāgaʿ, but not weaker.
Transliteration: entygchánō
Root: τυγχάνω (tynchánō) — to meet, encounter, obtain
Prefix: ἐν (en) — in, toward, with access
2. Meaning:
-
to approach someone with confidence
-
to appeal or petition
-
to make a formal request
-
to plead a case before authority
This is not begging language. It is access-and-standing language.
Romans 8:34
“Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is interceding (ἐντυγχάνει) for us.”
The Fivefold Priestly Scopes of Intercession
Scripture reveals that intercession operates through distinct priestly reaches—each one authorized by God, purposeful, and measurable in effect. In Christ, every believer is made a priest before God and is therefore granted a priestly scope of intercession.
“He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Rev 1:6)
1. He pleased the Father.
Hebrews 11:6
“He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”
2. He destroyed the dominion of the devil.
1 John 3:8
“The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.”
3. He overcame His sufferings and temptations through prayer.
Hebrews 5:7
“He was heard because of His reverent submission.”
4. He gave birth to His Church (He labored for it).
Matthew 16:18
“I will build My church & the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
5. He secured for humanity eternal and complete salvation.
Hebrews 7:25a
“He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.”
The Fivefold Human-Side Model Of Intercession
Drawn Directly from Hebrews 5:7–10
1. “In the days of His flesh…” (Hebrews 5:7a)
Intercession belongs to earthly, incarnational humanity
2. “He offered up prayers and supplications” (Heb 5:7b)
Intentional priestly human decision to stand before God
3. “With loud cries and tears…” (Hebrews 5:7c)
True priesthood involves the full engagement of humanity expression of a burden
4. “He was heard because of His reverent submission” (Heb 5:7d)
Heaven responds where reverent submission governs the intercessor.
5. “And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation, to all who obey Him.”” (Hebrews 5:9)
Through obedience, the intercessor is authorized by God to stand in places where lives, situations, and nations are affected and transformed by the intercessory prayer.
The Current Need
-
Intercessors Must Take Their Place
The Church does not need more people who pray occasionally, but believers who accept responsibility to stand before God on behalf of others. Intercession begins when a believer stops praying only for personal needs and takes priestly responsibility for people, cities, and purposes.
-
Intercessors Must Be Trained, Not Alone Active
Many pray; few are taught to intercede. The urgent need today is for believers to learn how to intercede—to discern God’s will, carry burden with clarity, and remain submitted to divine order. Intercession is learned through obedience, not emotion.
-
Intercession Must Produce Direction, Not Only Supplication
True intercession does not end with prayer; it returns with a message. An intercessor comes out of prayer with a word, a burden clarified, a vision, or a directive from God. Prayer speaks to God; intercession listens for God and carries what He reveals.
-
Maturity Is Measured by What Is Received, Not What Is Said.
The difference between a prayer and an intercessor is the intensity and spiritual maturity. A praying believer speaks much; an intercessor hears clearly. The quality of intercession is measured by alignment with God’s will and the fruit that follows.
A Call to Intercessors
This is a call to those who will no longer be content to pray from a distance, but who are willing to take responsibility before God for people, places, and nations.
Intercession is not a title, a role, or a moment of emotion. It is a priestly assignment given to believers who are willing to stand in reverent submission and carry what others cannot yet carry. If you are willing to listen before speaking, to submit before acting, and to obey even when unseen, then this call is for you.
“Operational Model”
Intercession
How Intercession Functions Across the City
Because of the nature of intercession, this ministry requires protected space, disciplined structure, and clear apostolic oversight. Intercession cannot be effective where there is constant distraction, casual atmosphere, or lack of order. For intercessors to function within their full priestly scope, specific operational dynamics must be established in each ward.
Operational Dynamics
-
Intercessors Assigned by Territory
Each intercessor (a spiritual watchman and world changer) will be assigned to a specific ward of the city, serving under the oversight of the apostolic team. Assignment defines responsibility, focus, and scope. -
Designated Places of Intercession
A dedicated place for intercession must be prepared and made available. These spaces are set apart for prayer and intercession, free from interruption, social activity, or unrelated use. -
Engagement for the Ward
Intercessors will stand before God on behalf of the people, needs, resistance, and spiritual condition of the ward to which they are assigned. Their focus is territorial responsibility, not general prayer. -
Fasting and Spiritual Warfare
Intercessors may be called at times to fast and to engage in spiritual warfare, according to discernment and apostolic direction. These practices are not routine but are applied when required by the assignment. -
Recording and Discernment Oversight
A designated person will be responsible for recording, discerning, and compiling words, visions, burdens, and spiritual insights received during intercession. These are gathered for the benefit of the ward and for strategic direction of the project. -
Corporate Intercession and Fellowship
Intercessors from all wards will gather at appointed times for united prayer, intercession, and fellowship. These gatherings allow for the sharing of insights, confirmation of direction, and strengthening of unity across the city.
Participation
Participation in Intercession
Intercession is open to participation, but not all participation is identical. Levels of involvement are defined by maturity, availability, and calling. Participation is governed, not casual.
Calling without discipline produces confusion.
Discipline without calling produces frustration.
Healthy intercession requires both, Calling & Discipline.
Levels of Participation
-
Assigned Intercessors
Believers who have accepted responsibility for a specific ward and serve under apostolic oversight. These intercessors carry defined scope and accountability. -
Supporting Intercessors
Believers who join intercession at designated times, supporting assigned intercessors through prayer, fasting, and agreement, without territorial responsibility. -
Seasonal Participants
Believers who participate during specific seasons, calls to fasting, or united intercession gatherings, responding to particular needs or directives. -
Observers in Formation
Believers who are discerning a call to intercession and are learning through exposure, instruction, and guided participation, without carrying assignment.
Criteria for Participation in Intercession
Participation in intercession is based on spiritual maturity, availability, and accountability.
1. Assigned Intercessors
(Territorial / Ward Responsibility)
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Willingness to serve under apostolic oversight
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Availability for regular, focused intercession
-
Ability to remain faithful to a defined assignment
-
Willingness to fast and engage in spiritual warfare when directed
-
Commitment to confidentiality and spiritual discipline.
2. Supporting Intercessors
(Non-territorial Support Role)
-
Understanding that this role supports, not leads
-
Willingness to intercede in agreement with direction given
-
Availability for designated intercession times
-
Respect for leadership and structure
3. Seasonal Participants
(Short-Term or Event-Based Engagement)
-
Willingness to respond to specific calls to prayer or fasting
-
Understanding of the purpose and time-bound nature of participation
-
Agreement to operate within given guidelines
-
No expectation of assignment or authority beyond the season
4. Observers in Formation
(Learning and Discernment Stage)
-
Desire to learn the nature of biblical intercession
-
Willingness to observe before acting
-
Openness to instruction and gradual formation
-
Acceptance that this stage carries no assignment or authority
Expected Fruit
Fruit is not always immediate, visible, or dramatic. True intercession often works below the surface before change appears openly. Intercession produces alignment, access, and lasting fruit according to the will of God.
-
Spiritual Clarity and Direction
Intercession produces insight. God releases understanding, strategy, and timing for people, ministries, and territories. Confusion gives way to discernment. -
Reduced Resistance to the Gospel
Through intercession, spiritual hindrance is confronted, and hearts become receptive. Evangelism becomes effective rather than resisted. -
Salvation and Lasting Conversion
Intercession prepares the ground so that when the Gospel is proclaimed, it is received with repentance and endurance, not momentary response. -
Healing and Restoration
As God’s will is discerned and released, healing—spiritual, emotional, and physical—follows according to His purpose. -
Strengthened Unity and Order
Intercession aligns believers with God’s purposes, producing unity, humility, and cooperation rather than competition or fragmentation. -
Confirmed Words and Fulfilled Direction
What is received in intercession is tested and confirmed over time. Words, visions, and burdens prove reliable as God brings them to completion.
Where intercession is absent, activity increases but fruit decreases.
Where intercession is governed, fruit appears soon in due season.
Indicators of Fruit in Intercession
1. Clarity of Direction Increases
-
Greater precision in prayer focus
-
Repeated confirmation of the same themes, Scriptures, or burdens
-
Reduction of confusion or contradictory impressions
Indicator: Intercessors begin praying with direction, not for direction.
2. Consistency of Revelation Across Intercessors
-
Independent intercessors receive similar insights
-
Words and visions converge rather than compete
-
Discernment requires less correction over time
Indicator: Unity in revelation without prior coordination.
3. Shift in Spiritual Resistance
-
Reduced opposition to evangelism or ministry initiatives
-
Doors open that were previously closed
-
Decreased fatigue or heaviness during intercession
Indicator: What once required effort begins to flow.
4. Change in People’s Receptivity
-
Increased openness to spiritual conversations
-
Deeper responses rather than surface agreement
-
Greater willingness to repent, reconcile, and commit
Indicator: Hearts respond before methods improve.
5. Accuracy of Words Over Time
-
Prophetic impressions prove reliable
-
Direction given produces peace, not confusion
-
Fewer unfulfilled or withdrawn words
Indicator: Time validates what was received.
6. Alignment Between Intercession and Action
-
Intercession informs evangelism and strategy
-
Leaders act with confidence and clarity
-
Decisions feel timely rather than forced
Indicator: Action follows prayer naturally.
7. Sustained Faithfulness Without Burnout
-
Intercessors remain steady over time
-
Less emotional fluctuation
-
Greater endurance and joy in assignment
Indicator: Strength increases rather than drains.
8. Visible Fruit in God’s Timing
-
Salvations, healings, reconciliations
-
Formation of groups, teams, or churches
-
Tangible transformation within the ward
Indicator: External fruit confirms internal alignment.