Intercessory Prayer Is Hard!

Anyone who is presently practicing, or has ever engaged in, intercessory prayer knows this is true. But Why?

1. Because of its nature. It is a selfless endeavor. It is nearly 100% in the behalf of other persons and their needs. For this to be a consistent, constant activity of a Christian, his or her heart must be emptied of self, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Because it requires constant self-discipline. It requires a consistent time commitment. A regular time and place, but when schedules or activities are changed, it can be...and will be...engaged in at any time and in any circumstances. (The prophet Habakkuk demonstrates this self-discipline. [SEE Habakkuk 2:1]: "I will stand upon my watch; I will set me upon my prayer place; I will wait and see what He will say to me...".)

3. Because it gets us out of the arena of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 10:3 & 4: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our (spiritual)
warfare are not carnal (fleshly), but mighty through God to the pulling down of (spiritual, satanic)
strongholds".

4. Because of numbers 2 and 3, it engages the forces of Satan in spiritual warfare. SATAN HATES
INTERCESSORS, AND CONSTANTLY TARGETS THEM. Because of this, intercession requires strong, courageous hearts and a total confidence in God.

5. Because it is a lonely, solitary battle. Few Christians stay with it. Many believe in it...and try it...most often when there is a crises in their lives...but other things crowd it out.

6. Because results are seldom seen. This is another reason why most Christians "try it", and then soon give up. We are a "results oriented" people. We want to "see".
True intercession is more an activity of the Holy Spirit within than of human effort...BUT there is much waiting on God at His throne of grace before an aligning of our spirits and wills occurs.

7. Because there are few examples, and little preaching, about it. Most Christians are honest enough to not recommend it if they are not practicing it.

8. Because there is no recognition or record keeping on intercessory prayer. It is NOT a practice heard or written about much. EXCEPT what comes from the Lord above, there is little encouragement.