Class Notes 8

Week 8 Principles of Intercession – Class Notes – 11-06-16

Continuation of “What hinders a Christian from receiving answers to prayer.”

DOUBT – several related Greek words are translated doubt in the New Testament. The one used the most is diakrinō.

(Reminders – diakrisis is the noun form of this verb; disputation; discernment. “Dia” means through or by means of, plus “krino,” to separate, pick out, select, choose; i.e. to examine in order to distinguish, make a determination, decide. It is translated doubt (5x), judge (3x), discern (2x), contend (2x), waver (2x), miscellaneous (5x). Like examing the evidence, separating fact from fiction.)

This word translated doubt in Matt: 21:21, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”

And in Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

James 1:6 translates it wavering, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

Doubt is not bad unless you remain there, never coming to a decision. Sometimes you have to decide quickly. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God can you make the right decision when you don’t have much time, like Peter walking on the water. That is why studying the Word and getting to know God’s character is essential.

I Timothy 2:1-4 – First of all, pray…

Today I want us to pray for our federal elected officials, and particularly South Carolina’s Congressional Delegation, the seven U.S. Representatives and two Senators who represent South Carolina in Washington. We know why we should pray for them.

But what specifically should we ask the Lord for these men?

As I asked the Lord that question, Paul’s prayers to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians kept coming to my mind. I made notes of the specific things the Apostle Paul prayed for each group. I noted that he gave thanks for them first, also that he said he prayed for them always, not just one time.

My own prayer requests for our South Carolina Delegation included:

• Their souls to be saved, bodies to be strong and healthy, minds to be clear
• Cooperation with each other, understanding of others’ points of view
• Accurate information on issues and interpretation of it
• Integrity, ability to withstand temptation from lobbyists and the enemy
• Wisdom of what to do, how and when, including votes
• Insight into the real situations going on behind the scenes
• Revelation knowledge of what God wants them to do
• Desire for God’s presence 24/7 and ability to discern His voice
• Love of God’s word and time set apart to study it, fellowship with other believers
• Right priorities, God, family, job