Prayer Warrior vs. Intercessor

I recently finished an amazing book called Rees Howells, Intercessor by Norman Grubb (let me just say for the record I do not agree with all his viewpoints, but he lived an amazing life for Christ and his testimony is compelling and challenging; therefore, more than worth the read).

In any case, on page 97 he explains his viewpoint on the difference between a Prayer Warrior and an Intercessor. Since I’ve heard the terms frequently used interchangeably, I found his assertions fascinating and thought-provoking as well as challenging personally.

A prayer warrior can pray for a thing to be done without necessarily being willing for the answer to come through himself; and he is not even bound to continue in the prayer until it is answered. But an intercessor is responsible to gain his objective, and he can never be free till he has gained it. He will go to any lengths for the prayer to be answered through himself.

So in other words, if you come and ask me for prayer for provision that you need, if I am not willing to be used practically as the answer to that need (if God asked me to) in addition to praying and contending, then I am a prayer warrior, not an intercessor. However, if I am willing to pray your need through to completion and am willing also to give of my own practical resources if God directs me to… then I am an intercessor.

Interesting. In all honesty then, I have to say more often than not, I am a prayer warrior (perhaps even a persistent one), but not an intercessor. To be an intercessor by that standard requires a HIGH level of commitment.

As I paused to think of areas where I have been willing to commit at that level, the first that comes to mind is my husband. When he was backslidden, I contended for his freedom and did so at much personal cost. That is an intercessor. But was it worth it? Absolutely! Was more gained than just the restoration of my marriage? Perhaps…

Howells talks about the “gift of faith” vs the “grace of faith” (p84-85). When we as a prayer warrior bring a request before God – He may or may not grant it. If He does, it is a gift birthed out of your faith to ask. It doesn’t necessarily mean the next time you ask for the same thing God will grant it again – it simply means on this occasion He did.

In intercession though, much warfare occurs and there is a greater personal cost. Howells referred to this as “the gained position of intercession” which gains the “grace of faith”.

The price is paid, the obedience is fulfilled, the inner wrestlings and groanings take their full course, and then ‘the word of the Lord comes.’ The weak channel is clothed with authority by the Holy Ghost and can speak out a word of deliverance. ‘Greater works’ are done. Not only this, but a new position in grace is gained and maintained, although even then that grace can only be appropriated and applied in each instance under the guidance of the Spirit.

As I look in my own life do I see levels of authority in prayer in areas I have truly interceded by this definition? Yes! So though there is a cost, there is much gained. This truly challenges me to consider why I am not willing to contend in more areas… I trust God will continue to direct me even in this. 🙂 But I found it all compelling enough to want to share… so perhaps it will challenge some of you as well.

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8 Replies to “Prayer Warrior vs. Intercessor”

  1. I think there is a bit of both in most people. I must say, I’ve seen you function as a prayer warrior, but also as an intercessor, and you are mighty in both. It’s a good challenge to put forth. 🙂

  2. Wow, what a thoughtful concept. I think I am a prayer warrior by that definition. I know of only a few who could be an intercessor. Amazing how we continue to state things without giving clear thought to the definition by which it’s original intent is established.

  3. I think the author of the book simplified the stance of a prayer warrior just a bit. I have watched prayer warriors all my life and can assure you that they are not detatched from the person or situation they are praying over. It is true that they pray for immediate action and therefore do not have to endure as long as an intercessor would but they are truely at war and do feel the back lash of disobedience and lack of spiritual armor.

  4. @Kenyotta – I agree that it’s a bit of an over simplification, but I found the assertion thought provoking at the least since for myself (at the time of reading it) I’d never distinguished between the two terms and considered them interchangeable. I feel your clarification is closer to my own personal belief set. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  5. I am reading this book again now, I struggled with intercession and prayer warrior,which I believe I guess I am both. I am like you I agree with some things not all,but that’s the case in most books,never agree with everything. Thanks for for sharing. Both are so important in this time.

  6. Up til know I had never knew truly about intercession or prayer warrior. When I was baptize in the Holy Spirit I knew I was different. HE SPOKE I OBEYED! And that came with a price that wounded me. I struggled for a while but God restored me even i n hurt I continued. I heard others say Kim u are but I never read til know about Epaphras and him praying it opened my eyes. i had thought that was coming from man. I have been studying on spiritual warfare and having some understanding o.n the subject if any one has info to share please email me thank u kruxified35@live.com

  7. Pingback: Silk: Relentless Faith – Meghan W

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