Spiritual Warfare Teaching Series: Intercessory Prayer – Part 2

Teaching Series: Born into Battle – Equipping the Saints for Spiritual Warfare
By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Opening Scripture

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” – Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

Introduction

I remember a night of prayer when a small group of us gathered to intercede for a missionary in a dangerous region. As we prayed, one person began declaring specific Scriptures over the situation, another began to sing a spontaneous song that carried a prophetic edge, and another wept deeply without words. Later, we learned that at that exact time, the missionary had been delivered from a life-threatening encounter. That night reminded me that intercession has many expressions — and when led by the Spirit, each one is a weapon in God’s hand. In Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle, I explain that strategic intercession is about precision, not just passion.

Praying Scripture

Praying the Word is one of the most effective forms of intercession because it aligns our prayers with God’s will. When we declare His promises, we are wielding the sword of the Spirit against the enemy’s lies. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) assures us that God’s Word “shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.” In warfare, Scripture-based prayer cuts through confusion and anchors our petitions in unshakable truth.

Prophetic Intercession

Prophetic intercession happens when the Holy Spirit reveals specific insight about how to pray for a person, place, or situation. This may come as a Scripture, a mental picture, a word of knowledge, or a burden to pray in a certain direction. In the book (p. 164), I note that prophetic intercession requires sensitivity and humility — we pray what God reveals, not what we assume. This kind of prayer often addresses the root of an issue rather than just the symptoms.

Travail in Prayer

Travail is a deep, Spirit-generated burden that can manifest in groaning, weeping, or intense persistence. Paul described it in Galatians 4:19 (NKJV) as “laboring in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Travail is not emotionalism; it is the Holy Spirit interceding through us (Romans 8:26). In warfare, travail can break spiritual resistance and birth breakthroughs that ordinary prayer might not reach.

Guarding the Intercessor

Strategic intercession can draw spiritual counterattacks, which is why intercessors must stay covered in prayer, walk in holiness, and maintain rest and balance. In Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle (p. 165), I stress the importance of praying with others when possible, submitting to spiritual authority, and not carrying burdens beyond what the Holy Spirit assigns.

Practical Exercise for the Week

Choose one of these three methods — praying Scripture, prophetic intercession, or travail — and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in it for a specific person or situation this week. Record what you sense, pray, and any outcomes you notice.

Reflection Question

• Am I willing to move beyond general prayers into targeted, Spirit-led intercession that may require persistence, sensitivity, and even personal cost?

Be encouraged

Strategic intercession is where prayer becomes precision warfare. In Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle, I share practical tools, biblical examples, and safeguards for moving in these deeper dimensions of prayer. If you don’t yet have your copy, I encourage you to get it and use it as your guide. The more you allow the Holy Spirit to lead your intercession, the more you will see prayers hit their mark and bring lasting change.

Please feel free to drop us a line, using the Prayer Request Contact form and we will pray for you.

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The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him?  What can you do to take the first step?

Trust God to help you with that first step.

Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.

It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.

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About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.