This past weekend, our community gathered to watch an impactful sermon by Robert Henderson on the power of intercessory prayer, specifically focusing on breaking spiritual strongholds.
https://youtu.be/A-MANcuJwVo?si=e9OadSvHVChzZtAk
The sermon provided practical steps, grounded in biblical truths, to guide us in standing in the gap for others and trusting in God’s power to bring about transformation and freedom. Together, we learned how to intercede for others, repent for ourselves, and declare God’s purpose over the lives of those we pray for.
The process Robert Henderson shared not only gave us a deeper understanding of how to intercede effectively but also reminded us of our authority in Christ to break spiritual barriers. Below is a reflection on the key steps we took away from his powerful message.
1. Begin with Repentance for Others
Scripture Reference: 1 John 5:16
The first step in effective intercession is to begin by repenting on behalf of the person you are praying for. Henderson explained that this is not about taking away their personal responsibility, but about standing in the gap, much like Jesus does for us. This act of repentance is a plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness for the person, especially if they are struggling with sin or spiritual attack.
As a community, this step hit home for us as it demonstrated the love and humility required in prayer. We are not just praying for someone; we are entering into the spiritual battle with them, asking God to cover them with His grace.
Prayer Example:
“Lord, I repent on behalf of [person’s name]. I ask for your mercy and forgiveness for any sins they may have committed knowingly or unknowingly. I ask that the blood of Jesus speak in their favor.”
This step reminded us that our prayers can help lift burdens and create pathways for God’s intervention in the lives of those we love.
2. Personal Repentance
Scripture References: Proverbs 18:21; James 3:9-10
After interceding for others, Henderson led us to examine our own hearts. Often, we are unaware of the ways we may have spoken negatively about the person we are praying for, which could unintentionally fuel the enemy’s attacks against them. This was a sobering reminder of the power of our words and the need to speak life over others.
Henderson explained that personal repentance for negative or critical words spoken is essential for intercession. When we repent for our own words, we break any agreements we may have unknowingly made with the enemy.
Prayer Example:
“Lord, I repent for any negative or critical words I have spoken about [person’s name]. I ask that those words be annulled and made void in the spiritual realm. Let your blood cover those words, and I ask that any power the enemy is using through them be broken.”
This was a significant moment for many in our community, as we reflected on the times we might have spoken without thinking, and we asked God to nullify the harm our words may have caused. It was a humbling and necessary step, reminding us to align our speech with God’s will.
3. Prophesy Their Destiny
Scripture References: Psalms 139:16; Daniel 7:10
Once repentance was complete, Henderson led us into a time of powerful declarations over the lives of those we are interceding for. This step was about speaking life and prophesying their God-given destiny. Henderson reminded us that each person’s life has been ordained by God, and He has a plan and purpose for each of us. By declaring scriptures and prophetic words, we are calling into existence what God has already written about them.
This part of the sermon was a profound reminder of the authority we have in Christ to proclaim His will over someone’s life.
Prayer Example:
“Lord, I declare your word over [person’s name]. According to your Word in Psalms 139:16, you have written their days in your book. I proclaim that they will fulfill their kingdom purpose and walk in the destiny you have planned for them. I prophesy that they will bring good news, walk in high places, and have great influence for your kingdom.”
As we prayed, it was encouraging to speak truth and hope over the people we love, affirming God’s plans and purposes for them. It was a moment filled with faith and expectancy, believing that God’s will would be done.
4. Rebuke the Spirit or Stronghold
Scripture Reference: James 4:7
After dealing with any legal issues in the spiritual realm through repentance, the next step was to rebuke any spirit or stronghold holding the person back. Henderson explained that once the barriers of sin and negative words are removed, we can take authority over spirits like fear, addiction, depression, or anything else that may be afflicting the person. This is where we exercise the authority given to us through Jesus, commanding these spirits to leave.
Prayer Example:
“In the name of Jesus, I take authority over the spirit of [name the stronghold, e.g., fear]. I declare that its power is broken over [person’s name]. I command it to leave them now, and I declare freedom in their life according to the authority given to me in Luke 10:19.”
As a community, this step was a powerful declaration of our faith in the authority God has given us to overcome spiritual darkness. We prayed with boldness, rebuking strongholds in the lives of those we were interceding for.
5. Trust in God’s Work
The final step Henderson shared was about trusting in God’s timing and work. After we have prayed and followed these steps, it’s essential to trust that God is moving in the situation, even if we don’t see immediate results. This requires faith in God’s power and His faithfulness to bring about transformation.
Prayer Example:
“Lord, I trust that as I have followed your leading, you are bringing about the freedom and transformation needed in [person’s name]’s life. I thank you for your faithfulness.”
This step was a powerful reminder that while we pray and intercede, the results are in God’s hands. Our job is to faithfully pray, believe, and trust that God is working behind the scenes.
Conclusion: A Weekend of Transformation
This weekend’s sermon by Robert Henderson left a lasting impact on our community. We were not only reminded of the power of intercessory prayer, but we also learned practical steps to break spiritual strongholds in the lives of those we care for. Each step—from repentance to declaring God’s purpose, to rebuking strongholds—was a faith-filled approach that brought clarity and spiritual authority to our prayers.
As we left the gathering, many of us felt encouraged and equipped to intercede more effectively, knowing that God hears our prayers and that we are co-laborers with Him in bringing freedom and transformation to those around us.
Here’s a document for referencing back to this: