Working Together

One of the major strands of an effective relationship between a leader and his/her intercessors is good, open, communication. Intercessors will need a base of information to aid them in their prayer, and may be helped by having some knowledge of the leader's schedule and current priorities. During the early stages, both leader and intercessor may need to take some perceived risks in sharing openly with each other - aiding the development of trust in the relationship. This underlines the need to ensure that intercessors are nominated by God! For prayer to be brought to bear on the things that are on God's agenda, rather than our own, we may need to tackle some of the underlying foundations of our ministry. Confidentiality is vital on both parts, but particularly on the part of the intercessor as he/she is likely to build a deep awareness of the leader's strengths and weaknesses, struggles and failings. This would be juicy material for any potential gossip!

As well as being aware of the needs of the leader, intercessors will need to learn to seek God's agenda, and areas for prayer, and to discern the difference between God's leading, and their own expectations and desires for the leader's ministry. Intercessors who simply pray through their own perceived needs for the leader can limit, or even direct, the leader's ministry to areas which are not necessarily those God is calling them towards, and which may even be in the opposite direction. Leaders need to be open to change direction as a result of what God may be telling them through their intercessors. However, it is vital not to blindly follow their guidance - do take the appropriate steps to check out things received from intercessors.

If a leader has asked the Lord to provide prayer support, then any intercessors who come forward are indeed a gift from God. Intercessors who devote time to praying for leaders are valuable partners in ministry, deserving the gratitude and encouragement of their leader partners. Whilst leaders are likely to devote significantly less time in prayer for their intercessors, than vice versa, it is nevertheless important to give thanks to God for them, and to pray for them regularly.

Finally, a warning to be careful of propriety in the relationship. The simple facts are that most intercessors are women, and most leaders are men. Any relationship which brings people of the opposite sex together in an environment where there is deep sharing has the potential to lead to impropriety, or to be perceived in that way. The relationship between intercessor and leader should have the full knowledge and agreement of any partners, and it may be appropriate to take some measures to guard against gossip e.g. not meeting one to one late at night.