Title: The Altar of Incense

Series: Temple Prayer

Icebreaker: What do you like to use to keep your home/space smelling good? For example, some people burn candles or incense, while others prefer plug-ins or sprays.

This Sunday our Bishop delivered another impactful message in his latest sermon series, Temple of Prayer. Through this series we've studied the historical temple as a template we may follow in spending quality time with God. This week we've come to the altar of incense, which for us today represents a place of intercession. Of course, we all have needs that we could petition God about incessantly. We also know others who are in need, and as fervently as we would pray for our own circumstances we can pray for them.

Luke 11:1-14

I. What is intercession? (Psalm 141:2) 

a. Intercession can be defined as the act of bringing a request before God on behalf of others, and these others may be individuals, families, communities, cities, even nations.

b. There are many examples of intercessors throughout the Bible. Job, for example, interceded for his friends although they mistreated him during his suffering. Moses interceded on behalf of the nation of Israel despite their rebellion and God himself wanted to strike them down. Church members interceded for Peter until he was released from jail. Jesus himself today sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession on our behalf.

c. Imagine for a moment two cups being filled: one cup is being filled by Satan's accusations against us, reminding God of our iniquities, and when filled to overflowing will pour out wrath. The other cup, however, is filled with prayers, and when it overflows the answer to those prayers trickles down to us on the earth. It is the intercessor who offsets the cup of wrath with prayers on behalf of others (Revelation 8:3-4).

d. It doesn't matter if it's a friend or an enemy, a local church leader or governing officials, a small group or an entire state, we all know someone who is in need of prayer.

Discussion:

Have you ever lost a game or competition you thought would be an easy win? Maybe you underestimated or misjudged your opponent, or maybe you just needed guidance from someone else that you didn't seek out... What did you learn from that experience?

II. How do we intercede? 

a. God's word and his will are the guiding points for anything we do, that goes for intercessory prayer, as well. It is the word of God that gives us authority to pray for things like salvation to come to pass, to pray for wisdom for leaders, to pray for transformation to take place in people's lives and our communities (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:2).

b. Intercession is fueled by brokenness and the ability to identify with God's people. There are times we may be so moved with compassion or so grieved by what others are facing that we can only weep or groan, and this counts as intercessory prayer (Romans 8:26). While we cannot repent for others, we can stand as a go-between them and God, we can ask God to cancel the legal rights Satan has gained through disobedience so that they may be drawn to repentance and restored (Daniel 9:5).

c. Intercession is about engaging with God on behalf of another, it does not involve engaging principalities. Many people lose spiritual battles because they've underestimated their opponent and stepped out of their realm of authority. The armor of God is defensive gear for us to wage battle against enemies that come at us, Jesus himself only healed and delivered those who came to him. Our power and authority are in the blood of Jesus, we don't need to go seeking devils to cast down, we simply need to plead the blood over those we intercede for (Exodus 12:13, Revelation 12:11). 

d. It is the Holy Spirit that inspires us to intercessory prayer, and the Spirit that partners with us to pray according to God's will. God is looking for intercessors that will simply make themselves available to partner with him to see lives changed.

Thank you for being a Belong Host this semester! Your commitment is a blessing and we pray you Blessed and prosperous New Year!

If you know anyone who would be interested in hosting a Belong Group please contact your district pastor.

REMIND:

Grow Classes: Grow classes have begun and are being held virtually within each District! Tuesday's at 7pm in the month of April. If you’re looking to take your next steps in Christ. Please visit citychurchnola.life/growworkshops to register.

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!