The Power of Intercessory Prayer (James 5:13-20; Ezekiel 22:30) Rev. Andy Cumberland Chinese Presbyterian Church, San Francisco March 22, 2015

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:13-20; NIV)

The power of intercessory prayer 5: : :14-16 “Pray” in every verse The suffering, the cheerful and the sick Ask for help in Christ’s name Call on Christ’s body/elders Pray and medical treatment Power over sick and sin

The power of intercessory prayer 5: :19-20 A human example To watch over wandering members

Ezekiel 22: 30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done,” declares the Sovereign L ORD.

God is looking for intercessor God is going to administer mercy God wants a partnership God will definitely answered the intercessory prayers

Praying for someone who is not saved Praying for someone who is too sick or cannot pray for themselves anymore Praying for someone who is weak in faith or weak in the Word Pray for someone who has very little personal relationship established with the Lord Praying for someone who has a sudden emergency attack Praying in agreement with others on an united prayer cause

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective Be right with God through Jesus Christ Submit to spiritual leadership Prayer offered with faith Make right with people Be persistent Be watchful and stand in the gap Connect to the Holy Spirit

Seven Steps for Intercessory Prayer 1)Examine your conscience before you pray, and repent of any sin or harsh feelings you may have against other people 2)Come into God’s presence 3)Ask the Lord for what to pray 4)Ask the Holy Spirit to lead how to pray for

Seven Steps for Intercessory Prayer 5) Pray for the things on God’s loved ones 6) Pray with faith 7) Keep a record