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Prayer-intercession is the one thing that should come naturally to Christians, yet it is neglected by many. Intercession calls the Christian to mediate, or to stand in for another, in prayer with the Father. It is a privilege that we can come before the throne of God and pray on behalf of another person.

Intercessory prayer is an activity that all Christians are called to engage in. It is a ministry that must be elevated to the place where it is for the entire congregation, not just for a few people on a part-time basis. Every believer's spirit must say, "I am responsible. This is my ministry. I am called to be an intercessor."

Intercessory Prayer:

• is not a spiritual gift for a selected few. It has been given to the entire Body of Christ to be used for God's kingdom. Intercession is something the children, young people, young adults, married, middle-aged, old, and the retired must all experience.

• is for all members, regardless of their maturity in the discipline of prayer. It is only through experience and practice that intercessory prayer becomes learned.

• takes time. But all people have time, can make time and take responsibility for intercessory prayer.

• does not require a specific personality. You don't have to be monastic to have a strong prayer life. Your personality does not have dominion over your ministry or your function in the Body of Christ.

• is for all ages. Granted, the elderly often have more time or maybe have a greater burden and know the power of prayer, so they give themselves to prayer. But anyone who gives himself/herself to prayer will become a prayer warrior.

• makes a difference. Some may question what difference one prayer can make, but throughout scripture there are examples of one person who made a difference, from Abraham to Paul. Each time one person has stood in the gap, God has moved in miraculous ways. God only needs someone to harness with Him, partner with Him concerning anything he or she wishes to touch in prayer, and the mighty hand of God can move in ways that are far beyond human reasoning or human imagination.

From Seasons of Intercession by Frank Damazio. Copyright (c) 1998 by BT Publishing, Portland, Oregon, 1-800-777-6957. Used by permission.

Frank Damazio is senior pastor of City Bible Church, formerly Bible Temple, in Portland, Ore., where he resides with his wife, Sharon, and their four children. He has authored 12 previous books, including Seasons of Revival, The Making of a Leader, and The Vanguard Leader.