From a biblical perspective, it would not be incorrect to say that an intercessor is similar to a lawyer. The Greek word translated as “lawyer” means: Someone who is called to help, to comfort. The same Greek word is also translated as “comforter.” This is what Jesus refers to when He speaks of the Holy Spirit, who, after His departure, will fill the hearts of the disciples with love, peace, joy, and assurance (John 14:16, 26).

• According to the Biblical Encyclopedia, a lawyer is someone who defends and pleads the case of an accused person.
• A lawyer (Greek paraklêtos, paraclete) is one who is called to help, who pleads the case of another, a defender.

A lawyer is someone who speaks in court to defend another person’s cause. The presence of a lawyer is reassuring; they are always ready to help, even people they do not personally know.

Our key verse, Ephesians 6:18, says: “Pray for all the saints.” We are lawyers for our brothers and sisters. God has placed us alongside them to help them through our intercession. The apostle Paul was telling the church: “You are the lawyer, the defender of your brother and sister in faith”.

I encourage you to take on the role of a lawyer for your brothers and sisters because a lawyer does not criticize or mock their client. We play this role in our families, churches, and beyond. Let us overcome the spirit of criticism and contempt, and we will be blessed intercessors. Jesus Christ, our perfect model of intercession, is called our advocate before the Father, where He gloriously intercedes on behalf of sinners.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous“ (1 John 2:1).

The expression “little children” refers to all members of God’s family. This verse helps us understand that:

• A lawyer stands by someone in times of need to help them. This is exactly what the Lord Jesus does for us when we sin. The Bible calls us to do the same in Ephesians 6:18.
• A lawyer is a defender. It is good to have a defender, an advocate, or an intercessor as righteous as the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:1 (Parole de Vie version) says: “We have a defender before the Father, and that is Jesus Christ“.

According to the Biblical Encyclopedia, a defender is someone who protects and pleads. This verse clearly shows us Jesus Christ’s role as our advocate before the Father, pleading for us through His intercession.

“Therefore, I will give Him a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors“ (Isaiah 53:12).

This verse presents Jesus Christ as our perfect model of effective intercession. He interceded for the guilty. If we understand this, we will not waste time criticizing those who are at fault but rather take on the role of lawyers (intercessors).

We must wear the robe of a lawyer, even when we pray for our personal problems. We should never conclude our prayers without interceding for others, including the guilty.

The success of a lawyer depends on three things:

A. Understanding the situation (knowing the case well).
That is why it is often said, “One does not lie to a lawyer.” Similarly, when you go to your pastor, it is better to explain your problem rather than expect them to prophesy. A pastor cannot fulfill their role effectively if you do not tell them everything. The success of your intercession depends on how well you understand the prayer request or the case before you.

B. Knowledge of their work.
Knowledge of the Word of God is essential because it is through the Word that we intercede. We must present people’s requests to the Lord, accompanied by His Word.

C. The ability to speak well.
Every lawyer must know how to speak. How should we speak? We must pray with humility, supplicating God with sincerity in our prayers.

To succeed in this glorious and salvific task, we can rely on the Holy Spirit:

• He helps us understand situations and grasp the specifics of a request.
• He helps us use the Word of God effectively in defense of those for whom we intercede.
• He helps us pray and communicate with God effectively.

If you want to intercede and be a channel of blessing, accept the call to wear the robe of a lawyer. Before, during, and after your prayers, believe that you are an advocate, for you are called to plead for others.

REPEAT AFTER ME: “I AM AN INTERCESSOR LAWYER”.

Prayer:

“Eternal Almighty God, here I am before Your presence. Make me and help me to be a true advocate, an intercessor of blessings, in the name of Jesus Christ…“

This text is an excerpt from the book “I AM AN INTERCESSOR; (Volume 1)” written by Moïse Tshizenga Ngandu.

We invite you to read the next article: “THE QUALITIES OF A WATCHMAN“.