CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

The prophet Ezekiel gives us the words of the Lord in Ezekiel 22:30 “I looked for a

man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on

behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”

Although this verse deals with the sins of Jerusalem, I believe that we have permission

to apply it directly to our lives. The is a very sad verse because Jerusalem was in a

sad and horrible state and the Lord was saying through the prophet Ezekiel that He

was searching for someone who would intercede for Jerusalem and do what was

necessary for her salvation. When He looked He found no one who would intercede

for the nation and the city.

There are times when we are in sad shape because of illness or life circumstances and

we need the prayers of others to hold us up and encourage us. We may not even be

able to pray in our own behalf because of our situation. That is when I believe God

calls Christians to especially pray on behalf of others. This kind of praying requires

commitment on the part of the person doing the praying. It is not just a quick one time

prayer, but rather a request that is brought before the Lord many times until the person

being prayed for sees results.

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1.1 Background of the Study

The gift of Intercession (prayer) is one of the spiritual gifts that are essential to have

on every praying group in Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry. It is a vital and

powerful gift given to some members of the Body of Christ. Yet it is often one of the

less visible, unnoticed, and underutilized spiritual gifts in the church today.

Interestingly, the gift of Intercession is not explicitly mentioned as one of the spiritual

gifts in Scripture. While there are at least twenty different gifts mentioned in the New

Testament (found in the four lists of spiritual gifts in I Corinthians 12-14, Romans

12:3-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, and I Peter 4:10-11), there are a number of other legitimate

spiritual gifts that have been recognized by the Church throughout the last two-

thousand years of church history. The gift of Intercession/Prayer is one of those gifts.

The ministry of intercession gives us the ability to cast off the powers of darkness if

it is exercised boldly and in a sustained manner. It is a case of the goodness of prayer

simply starving out all traces of evil. Victory is assured in these battles. Through your

prayers you will witness God’s outpouring of love, healing, cleansing, and rebirth. It

is a remarkable gift that you have. Rejoice in the power of the Lord.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

As Christians, we are all called to intercede for our brothers and sisters in this world,

however, for some; the Lord has given the gift of intercessory prayer in a special way.

Not because the person is “special” (we are all equally loved by God) but simply
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because it is a particular “mission” that God wants them to focus on and to do for

Him. Each person is unique and has certain gifts that stand out more than other gifts

and it's good to be able to discern what particular gifts the Lord has given to us so that

we can better understand how to use them to help others.

Intercession is one of those gifts that are not expressly identified as a spiritual gift in

the New Testament. However, it is widely recognized as an activity that was used to

great effect by the disciples of the early church. Paul interceded regularly in prayer

on behalf of the churches he established, and Timothy taught the importance of

intercessory prayer.

The gift of Intercession is a special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians

to pray for extended periods of time with great positive effect for the building of the

Kingdom. Prayer is given on a regular basis, and frequent and specific answers to the

prayers are seen to a much greater degree than with most Christians. There is a

certainty that the prayers are heard and that answers will come.

Prayer for others is considered a Christian vocation; we are all to do it. But some

people are gifted in such a way that their “prayer channel” seems to be uniquely static

free. These people have a kind of prayer ministry whereby they spend a great deal of

time in prayer in the full knowledge that God is listening and he answers heartfelt

prayer.

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This paper explores the “Spiritual Gift of Intercession” intercessory prayer as one

of the main types of prayer which at one time or another a Christian in compelled to

use in the course of creating a communion with his/her Creator-God, through His only

begotten Son Jesus Christ as the intercessor.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to determine the extent to which we understand

Intercessory ministry and the “Spiritual Gift of Intercession”. The specific

objectives of the study are to:

1. To get a clear understanding of the Spiritual Gift of Intercession.

2. To examine the Benefits of having the Gift of Intercession

3. To examine some Characteristics of the Gift of Intercession

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research work will be of great significant, in that it will provide biblical

principles to increase the understanding of the Spiritual gifts with the members of

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry. It will help members to increase in their daily

experiences of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them because of the increased

understanding of the personality of the Holy Spirit as He works in them through these

gifts.

Like any spiritual gift, a Christ-follower can grow in the gift of Intercession. He or

she can learn how to develop that gifting and use it powerfully for God’s Kingdom

purposes. By learning to boldly pray God’s Word, claim His promises, and pray in
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accordance with His Word, our prayers will be strengthened in faith and increase in

authority.

Finally, the study may provide a form of scientific information which could aid in

further research works on the topic in future.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study is intended to cover the topic “Spiritual Gift of Intercession” and its

intricacies with special emphasis on its impact on the spiritual life of church members,

using Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Asaba, its branches as a study area.

1.6 Research Procedures

The research was conducted through the survey method. Both qualitative and

quantitative processes were used in the study. The approaches were narrative,

descriptive and reflective; it was used to gather information from respondents per

their opinions on the research topic in view. The statistics and the information used

were the result of the survey that the study undertook among different branches of

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Churches in the Oshmili South

Local Government area, Delta State. The data was gathered through interviews and

questionnaires. The works of various scholars and writers in the forms of journals,

articles, bible dictionaries, encyclopedias and internet materials were consulted and

reviewed in order to give a firm grounding to the research.

1.7 Limitations of Study

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This project seeks to increase the biblical understanding of Spiritual Gift of

Intercession in general in the lives of believers at Mountain of Fire and Miracles

Ministries for the possibility of them experiencing increased events and benefits of

His presence. This project cannot guarantee any new experiences because these

experiences are the actions of God. This project is able only to teach believers

principles related to topic in view.

Moreover, because of the nature of the project, all participation was voluntary and

was not of a controlled group; thus, all observations, conclusions, and applications,

are general in nature and limited to the people of MFM members who voluntarily

chose to participate in the surveys.

The desired outcome of the project is to increase the biblical understanding of the

topic in view so that believers are in a better position to experience the benefits of

indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All of the advantages of the Holy Spirit come by the

wisdom and power of God and are completely at His discretion.

1.8 Definition of terms

Most of the words and concepts in this paper are clearly recognizable and easily

understood. There are a few, however, which deserve to be defined for the sake of

enhanced clarity. There are listed as follows:

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Gift: It is an item given to someone without the expectation of payment or anything

in return.

Intercession: Intervening, engagement, involvement, participation, mediation,

petition, prayer.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

Spiritual gifts are empowerments for building up the church and extending the

Kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul instructs this congregation on

the function of spiritual gifts. He repeats several times that they are to strengthen or

build up the church.

This chapter is a review of existing literatures by other researchers which are relevant

to the area of the research being conducted.

2.1 Conceptual Framework.

Intercession is a special gift God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to be

regularly and very actively involved in personal prayer and public prayer activities.

They are diligent and thorough in their follow-up to prayer. Prayer fills a much greater

part of their lives than other Christians.

The gifts of God, including intercession, are given to build up the Body of Christ.

Intercessory assignments that truly come from God are designed to plug holes, fill

gaps and create hedges that protect and preserve. ( Storms, 2013) in the same vein,

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(Packer 2005) defines the gift of Intercession as the God-given ability to consistently

pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.

The gift of Intercession is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the

Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and allows them

to see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than

what is expected of the average Christian. (Wagner, 2005)

Although all Christians are called to pray (it is the privilege and responsibility of every

Christian), followers of Jesus Christ who have been graced with the gift of

Intercession love to pray. They can usually spend extended amounts of time in

intense, focused prayer. They enjoy and find great fulfillment in praying for others.

They often pray for “divine appointments” and opportunities to pray with others each

and every day. (Burke, 2015) True Intercessors will tell you that prayer is their

passion.

Intercession is the act of petitioning God or praying on behalf of another person or

group of persons. It is the holy, believing, persevering prayer, whereby someone

pleads with God on behalf of another or others that desperately need God’s

intervention. (Kumuyi, 2018)

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2.1.1 Some Signs that distinguished the Gifted Intercessor

God has chosen intercession as the primary means in which He releases His power

now and forever. He releases His power now and will rule the nations forever in

partnership with His people through the gift intercession. (Debbie, 2013)

Intercessory prayer takes place in the spiritual world where the battles for our own

lives, our families, our friends and our nation are won or lost. There are certain signs

that show that a particular person is gifted with the spirit of intercession. Here are a

few things that you will see within yourself or others who have this gift.

1. You have the ability to exercise more faith than others for miracles in prayer

2. You get lost in prayer and can pray for a much longer period of time than most.

3. You frequently look for opportunities to pray with and for people (at church, at

work, at home, etc.).

4. People often seek you out and ask you to pray for them.

5. When you pray, you see God provide inexplicable and miraculous answers to

seemingly hopeless and impossible situations.

6. When you pray for people, the Holy Spirit often reveals specific scriptures to

pray over them.

7. God sometimes wakes you up in the middle of the night to pray for people.

8. The Holy Spirit often reveals specific prayers to pray when fighting against

demonic strongholds.

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 9. You have compassion to the point of tears for persons or places that have no

direct connection to you.

10. You sometimes experience an emotional or even physical pain for others when

praying for them.

If a number of these signs/indicators frequently happen or apply to you, then most

likely you have been equipped with the spiritual gift of Intercession.

It is important to realize that no special spiritual gift is needed to have a vital prayer

life. (Wagner, 2005) However, those who have been given the gift of Intercession

have an intimate prayer relationship with God that allows them to dwell in the

presence of God.

2.2 The Benefits of having the Spiritual Gift of Intercession

According to Mary (2012), those who have the gift of intercessory prayer tend to have

deeply compassionate hearts. It may seem to others that they are overly sensitive but

this is a necessary aspect of gift. Without this sensitivity of the spirit to both God and

others, the gift cannot develop to the degree God would like it to. Others may consider

intercessors to be “overly emotional” and impractical people. They may have mood

swings and they may seem to “suffer” more than the average person.

However, interceding for others is not without benefits. Here are some benefits of

intercession by

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1. The greatest benefit is having intimacy with God. You’ll have a clear

understanding of the heart and mind of Christ on certain issues. He will reveal things

to you that He may not necessarily show to others (2 Kings 6:8-12).

2. You will have the ability to affect the lives of others in a positive way that live

miles away in other continents. People may never meet.

3. You get to partner with God in creating change.

4. As you pray for others and see their success you will also experience tremendous

joy because you know you were instrumental in making that happen.

5. While you are praying for others God in turn will begin to answer your own prayer

requests. This doesn’t mean that you should never pray for your own needs, it just

means that you will notice that your own prayer requests are being automatically

answered. It’s almost as if the Lord begins to reward you for your service to Him by

answering your prayer requests.

6. You will develop a heart of gratitude. When you get a look at other peoples

burdens, your own problems will become miniscule in comparison.

7. Intercession is actually a doorway to many of the other spiritual gifts, so God can

actually activate many other gifts within you when He choose to do so for His glory.

8. You’ll change. True intercession is praying the will of God. If and when you pray

something or think about praying something that is not His will, you will instantly
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know it. As a result, you’ll change your prayer request and then your prayer will be

answered. A prayer prayed under the influence of the Holy Spirit and according to

God’s Word is one that is answered 100% of the time. When your request conforms

to His will it will be answered so you’ll notice that you are the one who changed. God

didn’t change His mind, He changes you and your request to line up with His will.

2.2.1 The Principles of the Gift of Intercession

The following are the basic principles for effective intercession according to Dawson

(2010);

1. Praise God for who He is, and for the privilege of engaging in the same

wonderful ministry as the Lord Jesus as it is stated in Hebrews 7:25.

2. Make sure your heart is clean before God, having given the Holy Spirit time

to convict, should there be an unconfessed sin (Psalms 66:18; 139:23-24;

Mathew 6:12; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 17:3-5 Job 42:10; Galatians 5:6).

3. Acknowledge you can’t really pray without the direction and energy of the

Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 5:18 & Hebrew 11:6).

4. Deal aggressively with the enemy. Come against him in the all powerful Name

of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the blood of Jesus or the sword of the Holy

Spirit-the Word of God. (James 4:7).

5. Die to your own imaginations, desires, and burden for what you feel you

should pray.(Proverbs 3:5-6; 28:26; Isaiah 55:8)

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 6. Praise God now in faith for the remarkable prayer meeting you are going to

have. He is indeed a remarkable God and will do something consistent with

His character.

7. Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction (Psalms 62:5;

Micah 7:7 and Psalm 81:11-13).

8. In obedience and faith, utter what God brings to your mind, believing (John

10:27; Psalm 32:8).

9. If possible have your Bible with you, should God want to give you direction

or confirmation from it (Psalm 119:105)

10. When God ceases to bring things to your mind to pray for, finish by praising

and thanking Him for what He has done, reminding yourself of Romans 11:36,

“Far from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory

forever! Amen.

A warning which Dawson (2010) gives to intercessor is as follows: “God knows the

weakness of human heart towards pride, and if one speaks of what God has revealed

and done in intercession, it may lead to committing sins. This is because shares His

secrets with those who are able to keep them. However there may come a time when

He definitely prompts intercessor to share, but unless this happens the intercessor

should remain silent (Luke 9:36; 2:19).

2.3 Characteristics of a Gifted Intercessor

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Powerful intercession results when believers, committed to faith, obedience, and

personal holiness, learn to discern the heart of God and war in heaven on behalf of

others. Consider these ten qualities as you stand in the gap, aligning your heart and

mind to Christ. (Smith, 2013)

1. Intercessors see and hear things through God’s eyes. Seeing things through

God’s eyes is different than seeing the word with our eyes. Only when we are able to

see the world and it’s situations as God sees them, can we get the burden for

intercessory prayer (Nehemiah 1:1-5).

2. Intercessors are broken men and women of God. The things that we see through

God’s eyes may break our hearts. What breaks God’s heart must break ours. Only

then can true intercession begin. God’s Prophets were all broken men. (Jeremiah 8:21)

3. Intercessors do not use God for their own benefit when they pray. Instead, they

allow God to use them. Intercessors can become God’s channels of blessing to others.

Abraham was called of God not only to be blessed but also to be a blessing.

4. Intercessors are marked by God (Ezekiel 9: 1-5). God takes note of Intercessors.

Daniel was called ‘greatly beloved’ by God, after he began interceding for his people.

The Angel put a mark on the foreheads of those who mourn for the land.

5. Intercessors are called to lead a disciplined and holy life. God will not hear us

when we hide unrepented sin in our lives.

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6. Intercessors are great givers of their time and money. Prayer and good deeds go

together. (Isaiah 37)

7. Intercessors can change the mind of God. Moses changed God’s mind. (Exodus

32:32, Psalms 106:23) If the nation intercedes with repentance, God will forgive the

nation and heal the land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

CHAPTER THREE

BIBLICAL / THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

3.0 Introduction

The theological basis for the belief in the intercession of Christ is provided in the New

Testament. In the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 8:34) Saint Paul states: “It is Christ

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Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of

God, who also maketh intercession for us”.

This intercession resonates with John 17:22, which refers to the “heavenly

communion” between Christ and God the Father. The First Epistle of John (John 2:1-

2) states: “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the

righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for

the whole world”.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 7:25) the author wrote of the “salvation to the

uttermost” through the continued intercession of Christ: “Wherefore also He is able

to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through Him, seeing He ever

liveth to make intercession for them”.

The intercession of Christ in Heaven is seen as a continuation of the prayers and

petitions He performed for humanity while on Earth, e.g. as in Luke 23:34: “Father,

forgive them; for they know not what they do”.

3.1 Scriptural verses on Intercession (Old Testament)

Genesis 18:23-33 “Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away

the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will

you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?

Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked,

so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of
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all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in

the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Abraham answered and said,

“Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. ...”

Isaiah 59:16 “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to

intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him”.

Isaiah 53:12 “Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide

the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered

with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the

transgressors”.

Ezekiel 22:30-31 “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall

and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found

none. Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them

with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the

Lord God.”

Job 42:10 “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his

friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before”.

Joel 2:17 “Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord,

weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a

byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their

God?’”

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1 Kings 13:6 “And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the

Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man

of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it

was before”.

Ezra 10:1 “While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself

down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children,

gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly”.

Numbers 14:13-19 “But Moses said to the Lord, “Then the Egyptians will hear of it,

for you brought up this people in your might from among them, and they will tell the

inhabitants of this land. They have heard that you, O Lord, are in the midst of this

people. For you, O Lord, are seen face to face, and your cloud stands over them and

you go before them, in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if

you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard your fame will say,

‘It is because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to

give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness.’ And now, please let the power

of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, ...”

Isaiah 1:18 ““Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are

like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they

shall become like wool”.

3.2 Scriptural verses on Intercession (New Testament)

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Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything

they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are

gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

John 17:1-26 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven,

and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,

since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you

have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and

Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the

work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with

the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”

Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know

what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings

too deep for words”.

Romans 8:34 “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that,

who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us”.

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”,

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions,

and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,

that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way”.

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James 5:13-16 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful?

Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the

church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one

another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous

person has great power as it is working”.

CHAPTER FOUR

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

4.0 Introduction

This chapter is concerned with the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data

gathered from the responses to administered questionnaires.

4.1 Method of Data Collection and Analysis

The researcher personally distributed the questionnaire. In presenting the data, the

researcher chose tabulation form which was convenient, simple and relevant to the
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type of survey questions. The tabular method adopted here for all parts was to put the

information in four columns with the research questions, responses, respondent and

the percentage in this order.

The analysis was based primarily on the information provided by the respondents.

The questionnaire supplied information about the meaning, benefits, Signs, and

characteristics of an intercessor.

The analysis of the provided data depended on the actual return of 90 questionnaires

from respondents, since the direction of the thesis is not a comparison of the responses

of the groups but rather the general opinion from them, responses are combined.

4.2 Presentation of Data

The research questionnaire was administered to two hundred (90) persons who the

sample size is representing the study population from which it was drawn. The table

below shows the details at a glance.

4.2.1 Demographic Data

The percentages of those who agreed on each item were determined by adding the

figures under the columns Strongly Agree (SA) and Agree (A). The figures under the

columns Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD) were added to make the

percentages of those who disagreed with the item.

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Table 1: Showing Analysis of respondents on Sex

Respondents Frequency Percent

Male 38 43.2

Female 52 57.8

Total 90 100

From table 1, the respondents also comprised 52 (57.8%) females and 38 (43.2%)

males. The nature of the questionnaire did not require a gender balance and thus the

difference in the individual populations. The study even though important to the

growth of every church, it was not so appealing to the males and therefore some did

not have much interest in taking the questionnaires for answering.

Table 2: Showing Analysis of respondents on Educational Qualification

Variable Frequency Percentage (%)

Undergraduates 43 47.6

Graduates 35 40.0

Post-graduates 12 13.3

Total 90 100

Source: Field Survey, 2021

The respondents were also predominantly University graduates and secondary school

leavers. About 3% of respondents are however educated up to the elementary level,

with 13.3% being post graduates. The preference of graduate was as a result of a

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number of students who were available and willing to contribute to the study. Also

some of the graduates have theological backgrounds and are intended to be pastors

and ministers. The outcome study will therefore help them to plan their ministry

activities for maximum results.

Section B

Table 3: What do you understand by Spiritual gift of Intercession?

S/N Items Responds Frequency Percentage

1 The gift of Intercession is a special gift whereby SA 45 47.7

the Spirit enables certain Christians to pray for A
20 21.3
extended periods of time with great positive D
5 5.3
effect for the building of the Kingdom. SD
15 15.9

2 Intercession is a special gift God gives to certain SA 60 63.6

members of the body of Christ to be regularly and A
25 26.5
very actively involved in personal prayer and D
10 10.6
public prayer activities. They are diligent and SD
- -
thorough in their follow-up to prayer.

3 The gift of Intercession is God-given ability to SA 51 55.5

consistently pray on behalf of and for others, A
24 25.6
seeing frequent and specific results.. D
12 12.6
SD
14 14.9

Source: Field Survey, 2021

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 The above table in column 1 shows that 65 respondents which represent 69.5%

strongly agree that the gift of Intercession is a special gift whereby the Spirit enables

certain Christians to pray for extended periods of time with great positive effect for

the building of the Kingdom, while 20 respondents which represent 30.5% disagreed.

Colum 2 shows that respondents 85 which represent 90.1% strongly agreed that

Intercession is a special gift God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to be

regularly and very actively involved in personal prayer and public prayer activities.

They are diligent and thorough in their follow-up to prayer; while10 respondents

which represent 10.9% strongly disagreed.

Colum 3 shows that 75 respondents which represent 81.1% strongly agreed that gift

of Intercession as the God-given ability to consistently pray on behalf of and for

others, seeing frequent and specific results. While 26 respondents which represent

28.2% strongly disagreed.

Table 4: What are the characteristics of effective Intercessors?

S/N Characteristics Response Categories

SA % A % SD % D %

1 Intercessors see and hear 16 16.8% 64 67.4% 5 5.3% 10 10.5%

things through God’s eyes

2 Filled with the Holy Spirit 70 73.7% 10 10.5% 5 5.3% 10 10.5%

3 Intercessors are broken men 40 42.1% 25 26.3% 13 13.7% 17 17.9%

and women of God

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4 Intercessors do not use God 50 52.6% 35 36.8% 10 10.5% _ _

for their own benefit when

they pray

5 Intercessors are called to 30 31.6% 11 11.6% 10 10.5% 44 46.3%

lead a disciplined and holy

life

6 Intercessors can change the 80 84.2% 10 10.5% 5 5.3% -

mind of God

7 Intercessors are marked by 35 37% 23 24.4% 13 13.7% 7 7.4%

God

8 Intercessors are great givers 16 16.8% 64 67.4% 5 5.3% 10 10.5%

of their time and money

Source: Field Survey, 2021

The table above presents the perception of respondents on the possible characteristics

of an Intercessor. There were multiple responses to the possible characteristics.

Specifically, (89.4%) believed that Intercessors are called to lead a disciplined and

holy life, (84.2%) respondents strongly agreed that Intercessors are marked by God,

Intercessors are broken men and women of God and Intercessors see and hear things

through God’s eyes, following this is Intercessors do not use God for their own benefit

when they pray (66.4%). Intercessors are great givers of their time and money stood

at (61.4%). Notwithstanding, Intercessors can change the mind of God stood at

(46.8%) of the sample as the respondents disagreed on this point.

Table 5: What are the Benefits of having the Spiritual Gift of Intercession?

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S/N Pitfalls Response Categories

SA % A % SD % D %

1 The greatest benefit is having 45 47.7% 20 21.8% 5 5.3% 15 15.9%

intimacy with God

2 You will have the ability to affect the 60 63.6% 25 26.5% 10 10.6%

lives of others in a positive way that

live miles away in other continents.

3 While you are praying for others 51 55.5% 24 25.6% 12 12.6% 14 14.9%

God in turn will begin to answer your

own prayer requests.

4 Intercession is actually a doorway to 44 46.3% 20 21.1% 10 5.6% 20 21.1%

many of the other spiritual gifts so

God can actually activate many other

gifts within you when He choose to

do so for His glory

5 As you pray for others and see their 60 63.6% 15 15.9% 5 5.3% 15 15.9%

success you will also experience

tremendous joy because you know

you were instrumental in making that

happen.

6 You will develop a heart of gratitude. 27 28.6% 43 45.6% 5 5.3% 35 37.1%

7 You get to partner with God in 41 43.2% 24 25.4% 22 23.3% 34 36%

creating change

Source: Field Survey, 2021

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The table above presents the perception of respondents on the possible benefits of

being blessed with the Spiritual gift of Intercession. There were multiple responses to

these benefits; hence the entire lists are associated to benefits. Specifically (90.1%)

respondents strongly agreed that you will have the ability to affect the lives of others

in a positive way that live miles away in other continents, (81.1%) respondents

strongly agreed that while you are praying for others God in turn will begin to answer

your own prayer requests, following this is, You will develop a heart of gratitude,

(74.2%). As you pray for others and see their success you will also experience

tremendous joy because you know you were instrumental in making that happen,

(72.1%). The greatest benefit is having intimacy with God (69.5%); you get to partner

with God in creating change (68.6%), Intercession is actually a doorway to many of

the other spiritual gifts so God can actually activate many other gifts within you when

He choose to do so for His glory (67.4%), of the sample received low responds.

Table 6: What are the indicators that show you are a Gifted Intercessor?

S/N Role Response Categories

SA % A % SD % D %

1 When I get lost in prayer 55 58.3% 15 15.9% 10 10.5% 15 15.9%

and can pray for a much

longer period of time that

most.

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 2 You are very sure within 74 78.5% _ - 11 11.6% 5 5.3%

your heart that when you

pray for certain things the

prayer is being answered

instantly.

3 You have compassion to 41 43.2% 24 25.4% 45 47.4% 20 21.2%

the point of tears for

persons or places that

have no direct connection

to you.

4 You sometimes 60 63.6% 25 26.5% 10 10.6% _

experience an emotional

or even physical pain for

others when praying for

them.

5 You have the ability to 30 31.6% 23 24.2% 2 10.6% 40 42.1%

exercise more faith than

others for miracles in

prayer

Source: Field Survey, 2021

The table above presents the perception of respondents on the possible indicator to

the Spiritual gift of Intercession. Specifically, (90.1%) respondents strongly agreed

that You sometimes experience an emotional or even physical pain for others when

praying for them, following this is, You are very sure within your heart that when you

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pray for certain things the prayer is being answered instantly (78.5%), when I get lost

in prayer and can pray for a much longer period of time that most (74.2%), You have

compassion to the point of tears for persons or places that have no direct connection

to you. (68.6%), while you have the ability to exercise more faith than others for

miracles in prayer (55.8%) is a close call.

4.3 Summary of Major Findings

The following data were found in the course of the study:

1. It was revealed that there are some indicators the actually show that someone is

gifted with the gift Intercession, among which are; if you have a deep concern for

others who may be walking in a sinful path, if you have a deep concern for certain

regions or areas that other don’t seem to notice, if you have compassion to the point

of tears for persons or places that have no direct connection to you, etc.

2. Also revealed in the course of this study is the fact that there are many benefits for

those who stand in the gap for other, these are; the greatest benefit is having intimacy

with God. You’ll have a clear understanding of the heart and mind of Christ on certain

issues. He will reveal things to you that He may not necessarily show to others (2

Kings 6:8-12). You will have the ability to affect the lives of others in a positive way

that live miles away in other continents. You get to partner with God in creating

change. How amazing is this?

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4. To engage in intercession is to commit to praying through God's prophetic

purposes. It is a privilege of the highest order, that of entering into intercession with,

and in, Christ.

4.4 Discussion of Findings

Intercessory prayer in the context of this research work is the act of petitioning God

or praying on behalf of another person or group of persons. It is the holy, believing,

persevering prayer, whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others

that desperately need God’s intervention. (Soanes & Stevenson, 2009).

According to Abramson (2010) because of the nature and spiritual depth of

intercession, there is enormous potential for good, but intercession can also have the

potential for enormous evil wrong in the following circumstances:

First, intercessors invade the spirit realm which is, by themselves, no match for the

forces they will encounter. They can be overpowered and controlled. They can also

be manipulated and deceived into praying against God’s will.

Second, Intercessors are easy targets for the spirit of pride. The same spirit, that

caused a third of the angels to fall with Satan (Lucifer). The same that caused Aaron

and Miriam to challenge Moses authority can be unleashed in intercession.

Indeed in view Abramson (2010), the devil does not mind if all we want to do is

engage in warfare. He enjoys and welcomes the fight as long as his adversary is not

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thinking the way God is thinking, and therefore, not following God’s plan. Victory in

intercession requires two things- one, the mind of Christ, and two, the heart of God.

So, one has to hear God in order to pray according to His will. Before starting an

intercessory prayer one has to worship God, seek His heart and listen to His voice.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

The summary, recommendations and conclusion give utility, relevance and

significance to any research endeavour. This chapter thus contains a summary of the

findings and the appropriate recommendations and conclusions that have been

articulated from the discussions made in the preceding chapter.

5.1 Summary

God’s heart is revealed in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may

prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers”. The Lord wants us to

experience spiritual prosperity, which includes: physical, emotional, spiritual healing.

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1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and

through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our soul prospers when we love the Lord with all our heart and we love others as we

love ourselves. Our soul prospers when we receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation

to know the Lord better. Our hearts must be enlightened to know the hope of our

calling and the riches of our inheritance that belongs to us as the children of God. We

must realize the enormous power of God that is available to us and become strong in

our inner man so that we can help others experience freedom and hope for their future.

When we understand the breadth and width and depth and height of the love of Christ,

we are filled with the fullness of God. This is the spiritual prosperity that the Lord

wants us to experience.

Intercessory prayers can awaken one to spiritual prosperity when intercessors, arise

and stand in the gap for others. James 5:16 “…the effectual, fervent prayer of a

righteousness man avails much.” Our desire is to hear what the Lord is saying and to

pray His heart so that individuals may experience the love of Father and the freedom

God has for them.

A prophetic prayer is a gift from the Holy Spirit that opens our eyes to God’s love and

care. It blesses not only the person one is praying for, but also for the person praying

is blessed. The power in prophetic prayer is rooted in these characteristics:

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 1. Intercessory prayer comes from the heart of God; it will be filled with love and

hope. It edifies, encourages and comforts the church, (I Corinthians 14:3) and

provides an injection of faith.

2. Intercessory prayer magnifies the Lord Jesus; His love is the center which

draws individuals closer to Him and fills them with a desire to know Him and

trust Him during life’s challenges.

3. Intercessory prayer draws the Church into a greater love and obedience to

Jesus; it provides a spirit of thanksgiving and praise and a desire is increased to

serve Him willingly and cheerfully. It can provide direction and enhance vision.

4. Intercessory prayer sets the captive free; it provides insight into counseling

situations and gives every individual a new start with a testimony they want to

share with others. The prayer is able to hit the issue and save the dignity of the

individual from shame or embarrassment.

5.2 Conclusion

In all intercession there is the feeling of something struggling to be born. The spirit

of the intercessor is the womb in which God's divine purposes are brought to their

fullness. It is also through intercession that the church overcomes in the conflict that

surrounds all fulfillments, the clash between new beliefs and old traditions.

When any community of God’s people has the spirit of supplication (prayer) poured

out upon them, they share a sense of divine possibility and become excited with the

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prospect of what God will do. The old limits to their expectation in asking are rapidly

overrun. Their praying embraces new possibilities. They are suddenly liberated from

considering the condition of things from a human perspective, and see from the

perspective of the Holy Spirit. Their intercession gift assumes a prophetic dimension.

It gathers up the promises God has willed for their generation and boldly stakes claim

to them in the courts of heaven.

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent enter it by force”

(Matthew 11:12). Such will be the gifted intercessors of the end time. Will you be

among them? Anything less than such selfless, passionate urgent praying will simply

be less than what is required for such a time as this.

“On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; all day and all night they

will never keep silent. And you who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; and

give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth”

(Isaiah 62:6-7).

5.3 Recommendations

1. Understand all that you can about prayer from scripture. Review especially what

Jesus has to say about praying in John 17:1-26. Eph. 1:15-19; Phil. 1:3-5; Col 1:9-12;

James 5:13-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Eph. 6:18-20; James 5:16-18; Rom. 8:26-27.

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2. Learn about prayer from people who have chronicled their experiences. It is helpful

to read personal accounts of prayers being answered to build a sense of awe in the

marvelous ways in which God answers prayer.

3. Intercessory prayer requires faith to be effective. Indeed, after the prayer is made,

belief carries the prayer in an unceasing manner until God’s answer is known. Thus

maintaining an attitude of faith finishes the job. Work in any way that you can to

deepen your faith so that your belief will not falter after the prayer is sent up. Prayer

is only the beginning in the intercessory process - it is the sustaining belief that the

prayer will be answered that is essential.

4. Keep a log of prayers offered and prayers answered. This will help you to maintain

your confidence that your prayers will be answered - to develop the sense of

expectancy that is required. Too often prayers are simply offered and then forgotten.

The log will help you be more accountable - you will be looking for results, and God

will not disappoint you.

5. Think about where intercessory prayer is needed, and seek out those in need of your

prayers. Your special ability is sorely needed by many that do not have your gift. You

will find many people in need in newspaper articles and from word of mouth accounts.

After a while, when your ministry is more evident, people will come to know that you

should be told of the need.

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Reference

Burke, B. (2015) “The Gift of Intercession”. A publication of Global Ministry for

Wellsprings of Freedom International in Rock Island, IL.

Debbie, P. (2013). “The Revelation of Intercession”. Retrieved from:

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/the-revelation-of-intercession.html

Jordan, R. B. (2016). “An Intercessory Prayer - Encouraging Others”. Retrieved

from: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-of-intercession.html

Kumuyi, F. W. (2018). “Praying for others” Retrieved from:

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/praying-for-

others-part-1/

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Packer, J.I. (2005), Keep in step with the Spirit: Finding fullness in our walk with

God, rev. edn., Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI.

Smith, E. (2013). “Qualities of an Effective Intercessor”. Retrieved from:

https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/prayer/16016-9-qualities-of-an-

effective-intercessor

Soanes, C. & Stevenson, A. (2009). Concise Oxford English dictionary. 11th ed.,

revised. Oxford UK: Oxford University Press.

Storms, S. (2013). The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts. New York, NY, United

States: Bethany House Publishers, 2013.

The Christian Broadcasting Network, (2019). “What Is Intercessory Prayer?”

Retrieved from: https://www1.cbn.com/questions/what-is-intercessory-

prayer

Thomas, S. (2011). “Dynamics of Intercessory Prayer”. Retrieved from:

https://www.prayerdrive.org/resources/7-characteristics-of-an-intercessor/

Wagner, P. C (2005) Discover Your Spiritual Gifts: Updated & Expanded. (Regal

Books: Ventura, CA), 2005. P. 111.

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