Intercession and Blessing: The Path to Healing and a Renewed Heart
Scripture reveals an astonishing truth to us: the blessing of God is already present in our lives, for “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). We often search for blessings, strive for them, and pray for them, but it is vital to recognize that in Christ, we are already blessed. However, for these spiritual realities to manifest in our earthly lives – in our health, finances, and relationships – we must learn to walk in God’s ways and understand the principles of intercession. Too often, we place deadlines on God, dictating to Him when and what He must do, and this misplaced expectation is precisely what leads to profound disappointment.
Many believers live for years in expectation of a miracle, yet their lifestyle does not align with their stated faith. Scripture states that “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is not merely passive waiting; it is a posture of the heart that motivates us to correct our ways. If we pray for a financial breakthrough but spend money recklessly, or if we ask for healing but neglect the care of our bodies, this is not the faith that comes from the Spirit of God. God is the God of spirit, soul, and body, and He desires wholeness in every sphere of our being.
One of the most serious obstacles to receiving blessing is what might be called a “destructive mindset.” We may be people of faith, but we continue to think in the same patterns as our ancestors or the sinful society around us, failing to renew our minds with the Word of God. This prevents us from severing old soul ties and embracing the fullness of our freedom. The Lord calls us to abandon old ways of thinking, to trim our lamps, and to allow Him to lead us, rather than trying to run ahead of Him or impose our own timelines on His work.
In the Book of Genesis, we find an important lesson on the power of intercession and the danger of premature judgments. The story of Abraham and Abimelech in Genesis chapter 20 first introduces the concepts of “prophet” and “healing” in their interconnectedness. Abraham, driven by fear, concealed the truth about Sarah, which led to distress in the household of the pagan king Abimelech. Yet, God intervened in the situation, speaking to the king in a dream. We see how crucial it is for us as believers to maintain the fear of the Lord, which is not terror, but the deepest reverence and awe for the Creator. Abraham mistakenly assumed that the fear of God was absent in that place, and this led him to deceit, yet God works with the hearts of all people, even those we might consider far from Him.
It is remarkable that God commanded Abimelech to turn to Abraham for prayer, saying: “Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live” (Genesis 20:7). Despite Abraham’s mistake, God preserved his status and anointing. This teaches us that the church and the gifts of ministry belong to the Lord, not to man, and we must be extremely cautious in our judgments of ministers. God commissioned Abraham to intercede for Abimelech, and it was through that very prayer that healing came to the king’s entire household.
A profound spiritual law is hidden within this event: our own blessing is often released when we begin to pray for others, even those who may have caused us inconvenience or problems. Scripture states: “So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children” (Genesis 20:17). Note that Abraham and Sarah themselves had been waiting 25 years for a child. When Abraham stepped past his offense, fear, and suspicion and began to intercede for the pagan king, God not only healed Abimelech’s household but also brought about the fulfillment of the promise concerning the birth of Isaac.
We are called to be a royal priesthood, people who carry light and intercede for this world. Unforgiveness, however, becomes a cage that we build for ourselves. Remember this vital truth: Unforgiveness is self-righteousness, and speculation is witchcraft. When we harbor resentment, we place ourselves in the position of judge, and when we speculate about the motives of others, we fall into the enemy’s trap. Intercession requires humility from us – a surrender of our “ego” and a willingness to bless even those who do not understand us.
The story of Job serves as the clearest example of the power of intercession. At the end of his suffering, after lengthy and tiresome discussions with friends who essentially accused him, God instructed Job to pray for them. The Lord said: “and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him” (Job 42:8). Job had to overcome his pain and offense over the unjust words of his friends. Often, when we are hurting, we tend to withdraw into ourselves, but God calls us to the opposite – to pour out our hearts in prayer for our neighbor.
It was precisely at the moment of intercession that the turning point in Job’s destiny occurred. Scripture testifies: “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). God restored him and gave him double what he had before, but the key to this restoration was the prayer for those who had grieved him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, for the true spirit of intercession always leads to forgiveness and love.
Therefore, if you are expecting a breakthrough in your life, examine your heart: is there any hidden bitterness, resentment, or judgment? Stop seeking human glory and “eye for an eye” justice, and instead immerse yourself in the grace of God. Trim your lamps, renew your mind, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer for others. Your intercession is not just words – it is a key that unlocks the heavens not only for those you pray for but also for yourself, bringing healing and the fullness of God’s blessings.
Pastor Oren Lev Ari