“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom. 8:26)

September, 2009

Dear Friend,

Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. All is well here, we are praising God for a powerful summer of ministry. So much is at stake right now, jobs, economy, etc. that people are returning to the Lord and praying for answers. Everyone seems to have the inclination that now is the time of redemption, that His coming is drawing near. As Christians, we know that Jesus is going to return someday, we just don’t know the day or the hour. What we do know is, we must be ready.

There are so many things that concern us, especially at this time and hour. Our loved ones need salvation; healing is needed in many areas, such as health, relationships, finances, and especially a stronger relationship with Jesus where He is first in our lives.  

Have you ever prayed and suddenly found yourself agonizing in prayer, travailing with tears and groanings? I believe we all have, especially when it concerns a loved one. We have to realize that we are not alone in this great battle we are in. Jesus knows what it is to travail, He did so many times, and again in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was before Him, and it was so frightening that He cried out to His Father for help. Sometimes when going through a difficult situation, or our loved one is, we think that our emotions are getting the better of us. Meanwhile... it could be that the Holy Spirit is calling us to intercede on their behalf, and that is the reason we have such a burden in our heart. Can you think of someone for whom you prayed through? Perhaps it was for your child, or a spouse. I remember praying through with such travail and tears for one of my children. During that time, I suddenly heard, not in an audible voice, it was inside, but very quick and it was gone, the words “It will be over very soon.” I remember turning around to see if someone was there, and I didn’t see anyone.  It was a voice that was firm and sure, and I knew that I knew that this was an answer from God. After that, I prayed, but the intensity was not the same, and before I knew it, my prayers were answered, and my child received Jesus as Lord and Savior.  If you have had a burden, how would you describe it? When the Holy Spirit calls us to pray, it is always an emergency. Lives are in danger, and your obedience can mean the difference between life and death! When you pray, God can send an angel of the Lord to take hold of the situation, and the persons life can be spared!  Perhaps the person is thinking of suicide! When you pray, you may never know the situation that was taken care of, or the life that was changed, until you get to heaven. It is always God’s will for people to be saved; it is always His will for good to come to us. We can ask anything in the Name of Jesus and He will hear us!

Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a sense of foreboding? You suddenly feel as if someone is in danger? Pray immediately, do not delay! If you can pray in the Spirit, do so! I have heard so many stories of lives being saved by a mother’s prayers! Her child was on a plane traveling home, and there was a problem. The pilot turned around, and the plane landed safely. A missionary couple were captured and thrown into prison, and somehow they escaped. A spouse coming home from work was caught in a horrific snow storm and was blinded by it, not able to drive. Suddenly State Troopers knocked on the car window and rescued him!

Procrastination is our worst enemy! We could be eating out with friends, and suddenly that feeling comes! If so, let us excuse ourselves for a few minutes, go to a quiet place and pray! Nothing is more important than obedience. When we pray we are accomplishing more than any of our good deeds or works can do. I am not saying that good deeds are unimportant, they are. Calling a friend who is grieving, helping a family in need, etc. are very important. However, when the Holy Spirit calls us to pray, it is time to stop whatever we are doing and obey. Put the book down, save the call for later, forget about eating dinner, and go pray until the Lord releases the burden!

This type of prayer is called travailing prayer, because it is as if we are giving birth. When a woman is in labor, she is in travail, pushing until that tiny life is brought forth. It is painful, but in the end, what a joyous moment! A new life is brought into the world, full of promise! When we pray through, the agony can be intense, but new life is brought forth for that person, and there is promise of a bright new future!

Have you ever felt that someone prayed through for you? I know that I had a praying grandmother and mother. There were times in my life that I have been at death’s door, and suddenly God came through. Today I am blessed with a team who keeps me in prayer. When you are in ministry, you are on the front lines of battle, and just as in war, back up is needed. There are times when one will call and ask if all is well, that the Lord placed a burden on their heart at a certain time or date. These are intercessors who are obedient to when the Holy Spirit calls them to pray, and I know that it was their prayers that helped bring forth the victory.  Our team prays for our Agape intercessors every day. I ask the Lord to bless and prosper you in the way that you need. Please call our Hope Connection Helpline (718)238-4600 and let a prayer partner know what you have need of, and we will all pray.

 Let us pray right now, for an impartation of the Gift of Intercession... Father, in Jesus Name, I thank You for Your Holy Spirit who seeks for intercessors to pray for Your beloved. I ask that You would break this readers heart with the things that break Your heart, and that You would give him or her the burden to pray in groanings which cannot be uttered. (Rom. 8:26) Lord, it is Your will for this reader to receive all that You have to give. Draw him or her into the very Throne Room, where she or he can experience the very essence of Who You are. Draw him or her nearer Lord. Cause the reader to hear Your heartbeat! Cause the reader to hear Your Holy Spirit prompts for intercession! Use this person for Your Glory! In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen! 

God bless you,

Rev. Barbara A. Yovino, Ph.D.