NEHEMIAH 1:4, provides a powerful example of intercessory prayer, demonstrating a heart burdened for God’s people and a willingness to seek God’s intervention. Nehemiah was serving in a foreign land as the cupbearer to the Persian King. While in the service of the Persian King, one of his brother with some other men from Judah came to visit him. He asked them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They told him that those who returned from exile are in great trouble and disgrace; that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. He was deeply grieved and prayed for the Jews upon learning that the Jews in the Promised Land were in great distress and disgrace.

One of the attributes on an intercessor is that he is burdened with the people’s problem and intercedes for the people for a way out. Nehemiah was not afraid to give up his position of influence as the cupbearer for the Persian King for God’s people. An intercessor should also be willing to sacrifice his comfort for the well-being of others. Intercessors are moved by their genuine love and concern for people. Despite living in a place of honour and privilege, as the cupbearer to the King of Persia, Nehemiah loved his people and was deeply concerned about their predicament. Thus, he first asked his brother for news regarding the people. He then prayed after learning of their distress and disgrace.

An effective intercessory prayer warrior prays continually (Nehemiah 1:6). Nehemiah prayed continually on behalf of the children of Israel for God to forgive their sins and hear their prayers.

Nehemiah made this prayer because the Jews’ sins had separated them from God. An effective prayer intercessor repents for everyone’s sins (Nehemiah 1:6-7). Nehemiah’s intercessory prayer also included a confession of the sins of all of Israel. Nehemiah did not attempt to claim that the sins were limited to other people. Instead, he confessed that all had sinned before God. Ezra also led the people in a humble prayer during which he repented for the Jews’ sins (Ezra 9:6). Moses pleads with God not to destroy the Israelites after they had made a golden calf to worship. He asked God, why are your anger so hot that you want to wipe away your people (Exodus 32:11). He spoke to God in a compassionate manner. You cannot be a good intercessor if your heart is not soft towards the people you are interceding for. As a pastor, don’t allow the offences of your members into your heart, so that, you will be able to intercede on their behalf.

God seeks for restraints from intercessors. Though God is angry, He is a God of mercy. In God’s wrath, He still wants to show mercy, but He is looking for a man who will intercede on behalf of the people. The Bible said in Ezekiel 22:30:
• Today’s nugget: Intercessors restraints God.Prayer: Lord make me an intercessory prayer warrior. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected]. Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria

“I searched for a man among them to repair the wall of righteousness and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.” Every intercessor must seek that area of God that wants to pardon and show mercy. Lamentations 3:22 says, it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. Mercy prevails over judgment and it gives men what they do not deserve.
• Today’s nugget: Intercessors restraints God.
Prayer: Lord make me an intercessory prayer warrior. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected]. Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria