Intercession: A Guide to Effective Prayer

By Sr. Ann Shields

Intercessory prayer prayer for the needs of others comes easily to many of us. But sometimes we wonder why our prayers are not more effective. Does God hear us? Does he care? Does he want to help? Why do our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears? Too often, we quit interceding when we fail to see results.

In Intercession: A Guide to Effective Prayer, Sister Ann Shields leads us through key Scripture passages that undergird productive prayer. In nine lively lessons, we discover what it means to pray, how to intercede for the church and the world, and the elements of spiritual warfare.

Active faith united with practical, Scriptural teaching will equip us to pray with power for our family, friends, neighborhood, church and the global community.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781635823370

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

"Lord, teach us to pray."

Jesus’ disciples asked his help in learning to pray, and since their time, each new generation of disciples has made the same request. In one sense, nothing could be simpler than prayer: all we really need to do is turn our attention to God, tell him our thoughts and needs, and allow some time for silent reflection in which he can speak to our hearts. Nevertheless, most of us find we need some instruction and help in prayer.

This is true of intercessory prayer as well. We rarely find it difficult to ask God to meet the special needs and concerns of our loved ones—in fact, prayers of that type are probably the easiest and most natural of all. But we do wonder why our intercession is not more effective. How often people tell me that they have been praying for years for some special intention without seeing any signs that God has answered them. How often we get discouraged and give up praying for someone because we don’t see any visible results.

Scripture has a great deal to teach us about prayer, and especially about intercessory prayer. It teaches us first of all by example, through the stories of great men and women of God who interceded fervently and effectively. Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Nehemiah, Esther, Ruth, Mary, and many others: the story of the Bible is full of intercessors.

Scripture also teaches us about our relationship with God that makes it possible for us to intercede. Jesus promised that we would receive everything we asked from God, so long as we have entered into a relationship with him as the obedient children of a loving Father.

Finally, Scripture teaches us about our duty to intercede. Intercession is one of the most important ways that we share in the ministry of Jesus himself in this world. We are called to be intercessors, not simply for our friends and loved ones, but for God’s work of salvation in the world.

How do we discover all that the Scripture teaches us about intercession? Through study.

How to Study Scripture

Many Christians, especially many Catholics, think of Scripture study as something very involved and difficult, requiring a great deal of time, special classes, piles of learned commentaries, and an advanced degree or two in theology.

If you are talking about formal, academic Scripture scholarship, there is some truth in that picture. Scripture scholars devote their lives to careful research of ancient history and languages and literature—all to reach a clearer understanding of what the original authors of our Bible intended to teach us. Some of their insights can be very helpful to us in our personal understanding of Scripture, and there are some excellent popular-level commentaries and books that share their fi

Yet most of us do not need to study Scripture on a formal, academic level. For us, Scripture study means something much simpler: a careful, personal reading that helps us understand what God is saying to us through his Word.

When I want to study a particular section or passage of Scripture, I will begin by reading the section through several times, usually in more than one translation, until I am familiar with the main themes. I will then write either an outline or a brief summary of the passage, restating its content in my own words.

Using the cross-references in my Bible, I note other passages that shed light on various points in the passage. I may be reminded of other passages that I am familiar with, and I will look up some of those. I might also look up key words in a Bible dictionary or turn to a Bible commentary for some insight on a particularly difficult concept.

Finally I highlight one or more passages that seem to express particularly well the main points being made. I often use those passages in my prayer and meditation and sometimes for memorization during the coming weeks.

The entire process takes no more than an hour, but it does help me understand God’s Word as a message directed to me.

How to Use This Guide

The method of Scripture study I have outlined above does not require any special study aids other than your Bible, a notebook, and perhaps a Bible dictionary or a commentary. So why have we prepared this Bible study guide?

Partly, this study guide is intended to help those who have not studied Scripture before and who feel the need of some help in getting started. But it is also intended for those who are already familiar with Scripture study, but who would like some guidance in discovering what Scripture says about a particular theme or topic—in this case, intercession. I hope that by suggesting passages for study and offering some brief commentary and questions for reflection, this book will help you penetrate a little deeper into the riches of God’s Word.

Each of the nine studies in this guide duplicates the process I have outlined above. Each study focuses on one major passage. I recommend you first read the whole passage through. Then begin the study questions, which will help you reflect on the passage section by section. The questions are designed to help you reflect on what God is saying to you in these passages, and how you can respond.

Keep your Bible handy, because we will be referring you to many other Scriptures that help shed further light on the main