Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Prayer Life of an Intercessor

The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer is a Christian duty for every believer. Ephesians 6:18 tells us that we are to pray for one another and all the saints in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication. These instructions come from Paul to each of us. We are also instructed in Thessalonians to ‘pray without ceasing’ – Jesus said to us, when not if you pray. However, there are saints who have a specific propensity to cry out to God on the behalf of others needs and concerns other than their own. These saints are most commonly known in the Christian community as “prayer warriors”. In my experience they seem to be comfortable standing in the gap with Jesus and the Holy Spirit; not because they feel worthy of such a position (quite the opposite) but rather they feel compelled to do so. Usually they find themselves in this position without fanfare but rather instantaneously, an almost knee jerk reaction to the to the appearance of a need. Something like this – most people seeing a person who appears to be or is homeless and/or on drugs walking down the street are not convicted to pray for that person or listening to the news convicted to pray for the woman who had her person snatched most would empathize but not pray. Intercessors will begin to pray without thinking about it. This is another sure sign – they wake up usually at 3:00 a.m. or by 4:00 a.m. out of a sound sleep; some knowing to pray but many don't. So is the life of an intercessor whether they would recognize themselves as such or not.


There are characteristics unique to those who regularly have a conviction to prayer for others (intercede). The call to labor in prayer is very distinct; some are obvious and others seem obscure. I believe most know recognize this calling but are reluctant to own it for a number of reasons, however I have descovered most simply feel unworthy, not equipped.  Believe me these are leaving blessings by the wayside, not experiencing the reward God has called them to.

Andrew Murray states it this way:

You are called to intercession. You are called to stand as a minister at my altar. “Harp and Bowl”, saith the Lord, praise, worship, prayer. You are called to stand in-between Heaven and earth saith the Lord – as any man who stands in the pulpit – you are called to full-time intercession in my House. Come saith God. Take your calling seriously. Prepare yourself. Study to show yourself approved. Study the great intercessors in the Scriptures: Study those who knelt before me. Study Daniel. Study Job. He offered sacrifices for his friends for perhaps they had sinned; he interceded. Daniel interceded for his people and confessed their sins. Moses interceded. Jesus interceded. Do not say that I am just little and no one will notice. For I tell you, heaven will take notice of you. You are important, saith the Lord.

‘Study to show yourself approved’

Join me as I present a Seminar:

“The Prayer Life of an Intercessor”

Saturday June 22, 2013
Lone Star Library
9191 Barker Cypress
Houston TX 77084 
 10:00-12 noon
Admission is free.

Perhaps you will find the answers you have been searching for, perhaps you will find the “Intercessor” that you are.

For more information, email me at oasisofprayer@sbcglobal.net

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About the Founder of Oasis of Prayer Ministries

Reverend Mattie B. Thornton Criddell Reverend Mattie Criddell believes that a viable prayer life is absolutely essential for spiritual development and Christian living; and thus she is dedicated to using her spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching to facilitate the development of an effectual prayer life for all who desire it. She has served God’s people through the Ministry of Prayer for over fourteen years. As the Staff Pastor of Prayer Ministry for The Church Without Walls, she was responsible for every aspect of prayer for the church-body of fourteen thousand active members. She also shared in leading and preaching for the worship experience each Sunday for three of five church services. Oasis of Prayer Ministries is a new call on her life. Reverend Mattie believes that every answer of “yes” to God’s call requires another “yes”, and thus she has answered God’s call to establish Oasis of Prayer Ministries. She has been called by God to help men, women and children everywhere to develop a meaningful prayer life and to maintain a relationship with Him. She anticipates that this ministry of prayer will give her greater opportunities teach the biblical message and methods of prayer, and to lift up the Name of Jesus to a lost world.

Oasis Of Prayer Ministries

Oasis of Prayer Ministries VISION The Oasis of Prayer Ministries seeks to provide a time to rest in God, reflect, reconcile and renew one’s awareness of the presence and power of God in our lives. The Oasis of Prayer provides a space of hospitality devoted to prayer, silence and simplicity. In this environment, the body, mind and spirit are welcomed to be strengthened and purified in response to God’s invitation for divine union and intimacy. MISSION The Oasis of Prayer is committed to advancing the principles, practice and productivity of prayer to expedite the power of prayer and to enhance the development of an intimate relationship with God. What we are about: • The Oasis of Prayer is an ecumenical organization that is open to all who desire to develop and/or advance an intimate relationship with a loving and compassionate God. • The Oasis of Prayer’s primary function is to provide instruction that will assist men and women in how to still away and experience the presence of God. • A Ministry of Prayer that provides instruction to assist individuals and churches to develop an effective prayer life as it has been taught to us by Jesus Christ, Matt. 6:7. • A Ministry of Prayer committed to providing a refuge and solitude through an environment that is conducive to prayer and meditation. • A Ministry of Prayer committed to interceding for those who are hurting and longing to experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. • A Ministry of Prayer committed to providing a time to retreat from the pressures of life and provide a time of guided prayer, reflection and discernment of a loving God. • A Ministry of Prayer committed to providing the information and tools necessary to develop a meaningful prayer life.