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Neither, argues Dutch Sheets in Intercessory Prayer. From the time of Creation, Sheets says, God has chosen to work through human beings, not independent of them; Christians are distributors of God's power, not producers of it.
In the beginning, God gave authority to Adam -- subdue and rule over the earth. "Without question, humans were forever to be God's link to authority and activity on the earth," says Sheets. "Adam was God's mediator, go-between or representative." "Intercession creates a meeting," according to Sheets. "Intercessors meet with God; they also meet the powers of darkness." Intercessors meet with God to bring about another meeting, a reconciliation. In contrast, they meet with the enemy, in spiritual warfare, to break the control of Satan.
Sheets says, "Intercession is not primarily a prayer a person prays but something a person does that can be done through prayer." In Intercessory Prayer, Sheets examines the various biblical meanings and applications of intercession and puts them in a context of prayer.
Why do we pray? Because, as Sheets puts it, we are "representing" Christ, not replacing God, but presenting Him again, giving Him the opportunity or invitation to work. Intercession is the means by which Christians meet with God:
"We need more understanding -- not more knowledge," says Sheets. Intercessory Prayer is intended to guide believers into a clearer understanding of a vitally important aspect of faith. "When you don't know what you're looking for, you'll probably never find it."
Jeff Stephens is a teacher, poet, and occasional songwriter. He lives in Nashville with his wife and nine-year-old twins.
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