Worship Intercession

by Arlene Ghilardi

n June 2006 on the Sunday after the worst flooding that the Binghamton, New York area had seen in its history we gathered for our usual worship service. We all felt thankful that although floodwaters had risen to within three feet of our church not a drop came in. Our homes were also spared the devastation that many of our neighbors experienced. As we looked to the Lord we were led in intercession for the people of the communities whose homes and businesses had been devastated. In the greater Binghamton area 880 homes were damaged to the point of being condemned. As we sung the first song our minds and hearts prayed for our neighbors and friends and strangers to now come to Him in the midst of their loss. This unpremeditated leading confirmed to me something that I had long believed. There can be an intercession that is released in worship to our God that pierces through the darkness that holds people in bondage and in spiritual ignorance.

Psalm 149 gives us the picture. Verses 1-5 set the tone. Praise to our Lord focuses our hearts on Him. The direction is to sing His new song; a song that the Spirit births from our relationship with Him; not the latest from the top 10 on the Christian radio charts. Words are given that fit the moment, something fresh from the throne of God; something that is on the Lord‘s heart at that time. The people of God are gathered unto Him in the congregation of the saints. They are in agreement with two or three or more for the Lord’s purposes as touching anything. (Mt. 18:18-20) The congregation exalts the Lord as its Creator. God’s church acknowledges that He is on the throne in heaven and on earth. Proclamation rings out that He is the King of our lives and King of the subjects of our intercession. The victory of our God in every circumstance is expressed through heartfelt praise involving our whole being. The approbation of God is made known to our hearts as we come to Him in meekness and humility knowing who we are but also who He is to us through His great salvation. Praise for our God consumes us even in the night hours we are so taken with Him.

Verses 6-9 show us the result of such praise and worship. The high praises of God are a Spirit-led warfare. The Father releases His will in the earth as His people worship Him in the heavenly realm. The High praises of God are in their mouth at the same time that the two-edged sword is in their hand. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. When God’s people are moving in the Spirit of God, judgment will be issued from their lips on the enemies of God and His purpose in the lives of those they are praying for. Principalities and powers are bound and strongholds are torn down (2 Cor. 10:4-6; 2 Cor. 4:4-6) that keep our friends, loved-ones, neighbors and even whole communities in chains of fear, pride or in ignorance without the knowledge of God. In the high praises of God the Church brings to bear upon spiritual wickedness in high places the judgment written: “It is finished” Jesus said. Let the captives go free in Jesus’ name. (Is. 61:1-4)