Intercession and Spiritual Warfare

Have you ever given much thought to the relationship between intercession and Spiritual warfare? Is intercession a form or an expression of spiritual warfare? Do you know why you think the way you do about these 2?

I would suggest that they are highly related. And my semantics self says you need to define words - and you do. You need to know what you believe [and why]. As a counterpoint - I’m going to share what I think. I do believe that intercession is an expression of spiritual warfare but that all intercession isn’t warfare and not all warfare is intercession. 

My caveat is that I am a wordsmith on some level, words have always been important to me and I try to never use them lightly. This tends to make me a bit more intentional especially in prayer. I firmly believe in the power of the spoken word. Also, that too often we use colloquialisms and phrases such as 'I nearly died laughing' or 'that nearly killed me' without thinking about the ramifications of our words, what we are actually saying.  What about you? We all have our own unique way we pray… how often are we aware of the what and how of words? 

Do we actively seek to grow as pray-ers? What was your last important learning about prayer? I’m also quite specific when someone asks that I pray for them. While I readily agree to do so I more often than not ask the person to start the praying. Reason: the prayer of agreement is a powerful weapon we can wield. It's important to know what the other person is really asking and by them starting the prayer I can also discover if I do agree. Because if there isn’t agreement then we have another conversation. 

Is there a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to pray? I doubt it. I do think that there is an effective way and a not so effective way. But what do you think and how do you act on praying?

In my not too subtle way I’m trying to remind us all that prayer is a very serious act with tremendous potential power - which is my definition of fervent, effective prayer. We never should enter into it cavalierly or lightly. It is such an honor and relief to know we can always turn to the Lord in prayer: seeking and asking and knocking. He said He would always be with us. The Word says that every good gift comes from the Father. So?????

Intercession is always available to help a brother or sister in need. Spiritual Warfare is also a powerful way of praying for/with that brother or sister... especially when we have our armor on!