Shifts In Intercession

• “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”
• Just as God began His process of creation with the declaration of light, so does the morning shift signify the commencement of something new. It’s a call to intercessors to step into the light of God’s revelations and strategies for the day.

• “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
• This scripture underscores the essence of seeking God early. The morning shift is about presenting our petitions and intercessions to God at the dawn of a new day and waiting in anticipation of His response. Seeking God early is not confined to time only, it includes seeking God early at the start of a process … the work of ministry, building your house, marriage, parenting etc.

• “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
• Every morning presents new mercies from the Lord. When you embrace the morning shift, you will tap into the fresh outpouring of God’s compassion, grace, and guidance for the day.

• “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
• This scripture reflects the heart of an intercessor who is keen to receive divine instruction. The morning shift allows for undistracted communion with God, listening keenly to His voice and direction.

• “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
• Jesus Himself exemplified the value of the morning shift. By seeking communion with His Father early, before the busyness of the day set in, He demonstrated the importance of prioritizing one’s relationship with God and the power of starting the day grounded in prayer.

Concluding, the morning shift in intercession is not merely about the time of day but the posture of the heart. It’s about intentionally setting aside the beginning of our day to align with God, seek His face, and be empowered to intercede effectively. It serves as a reminder that just as the day starts anew, so does our opportunity to commune with God and receive fresh insights for intercession.

Prayer for Embracing the Morning Shift in Intercession

Heavenly Father, as I step into a new day. May the light of Your wisdom, revelation, and strategy shine upon my path, illuminating every step I take.

Lord, as the morning signifies the onset of something new, I pray that my spirit aligns with Yours. Empower me to discern Your will, embrace Your purpose, and execute Your plans with clarity and precision.

May every day be a testament to Your unfailing love and omnipotent power, as I endeavor to walk in the light of Your truth and love.

Teach me, O God, the essence of seeking You early. Let every sunrise be a reminder of Your steadfast love, and may my spirit always be attuned to Your voice, ever ready to both speak to and hear from You.

Father, as Jesus rose while it was still dark to seek solace in a solitary place of prayer, I, too, desire to carve out moments to be alone with You. I choose to turn to You, grounding my heart and soul in intimate communion.

Teach me that the secret to spiritual strength and clarity lies in these precious moments with God. Help me to guard this sacred time, to be disciplined in seeking You first, and to recognize the immeasurable power that comes from being rooted in prayer.

I offer this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. The midday shift in intercession

The midday shift in intercession emphasizes the necessity of perseverance, endurance, and continued commitment to the purpose of prayer, even when immediate results may not be evident. In the parable in Matthew 20:1-16, the midday workers demonstrate a commitment to the work even if they started later than others. In the same way, intercessors during the midday shift must maintain their fervor and trust in God’s timing. Here are some scriptures for the midday shift.

Daniel 6:10: Daniel’s Steadfast Prayer Routine

• “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
• Despite the decree that forbade prayer to any god other than King Darius, Daniel persisted in his prayer routine. This scripture demonstrates that as intercessors we should remain consistent in our petitions, regardless of external circumstances.

• “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
• The midday shift in intercession can be challenging as one continues without always seeing immediate results. This scripture encourages us to persist, knowing that in due time, we will witness the fruits of our labour in prayer.

• “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
• Being fervent and consistent, even in the midst of the day’s challenges, will lead to effective intercession.

• In this story, as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed against the Amalekites. Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands, one on one side and one on the other, so his hands remained steady until sunset.
• This illustrates the idea of perseverance and mutual support during intercession. Sometimes, the “midday” battles are long, and intercessors may need the support of others to remain steady and effective in their prayers. That is why staying connected with a group like The Watchers PM is so helpful.

• Jesus tells a story about a widow who persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge. Despite initially refusing, the judge eventually grants her request due to her relentless pursuit.
• This parable emphasizes the importance of continuous and fervent intercession, even when answers seem delayed.

Prayer for Navigating the Midday Moments in Intercession

Sovereign Lord, Holder of all creation, I turn to You, drawing strength from Your encompassing presence.
Despite the challenges faced by Daniel, he persisted unwaveringly in his prayers. I am determined to stand resolute in my devotion to prayer, even when confronted with life’s hurdles.

In Galatians, Your Word prompts us not to be weary in striving for good because there is a just reward. Grant me a spirit of bravery and determination to maintain my petitions, irrespective of the situations I face.

Impress upon me the immense value and significance of continual dedication. Lord, my desire is to be passionate in my prayers, recognizing the potency of such fervour. Just as Aaron and Hur upheld Moses, leading to triumph over the Amalekites, I pray to find strength in the fellowship of believers, especially during moments of fatigue.

Thank You, Father, for the community of the Watchers who help to keep me in prayer. May we collectively stand, uplifting each other, ensuring our dedication remains unshaken, and our prayers stay fervent.
Just as the persistent widow was tenacious, let my spirit remain unwavering, always trusting in Your promises. Illuminate for me the essence of persistent prayer and the importance of relying on Your perfect timing.

When challenges amplify, strengthen my resolve. Anchor me in Your assurances and inflame my spirit, always delving deeper into the realm of intercession.

I thank you for Your ceaseless love and guidance during this period. As I journey through this midday phase of intercession, may Your Spirit persistently lead, uphold, and empower me.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

3. The Late Afternoon Shift In Intercession

• In this story, the younger son, after squandering his inheritance, returns to his father’s home. His father, instead of chastising him, welcomes him with open arms, celebrating his return.
• This parable underscores God’s immeasurable compassion and grace for those who may seem lost or distant. Intercessors in the late afternoon shift carry this same heart of compassion, praying for those who are drifting spiritually to be drawn back to the Father.

• “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
• This scripture emphasizes the call to care for the overlooked and vulnerable. Intercessors during this shift are moved to pray for those society may disregard, knowing God’s heart for them.

• Jesus teaches that when we serve the least among us, we serve Him. He emphasizes providing for those in need, whether hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, or imprisoned.
• Intercessors in the late afternoon shift internalize this call, interceding for the welfare and salvation of the “least of these” in society.

• Even in His last moments, Jesus showed grace and mercy to one of the thieves crucified alongside Him. The thief, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, was promised paradise.
• This moment encapsulates the essence of the late afternoon shift: it’s never too late for God’s grace. We have to pray with hope, knowing that redemption can come in the eleventh hour. We pray, trusting that it is not over. It’s never too late, so we do not give up.

• When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, seeking to stone her, He responded with wisdom and compassion. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered her grace, telling her to go and sin no more.
• This story exemplifies the heart of intercessors during the late afternoon shift, praying for those caught in sin, drug addiction, sexual perversion and those who are yet to receive the gift of salvation that they might encounter God’s mercy and transformative power.

Prayer for the Late Afternoon Communion in Intercession

Gracious Heavenly Father, I approach You with a spirit attuned to the marginalized, the unseen, those who have not been saved and those lost in a world of sin.

With You, no one is too distant or too lost to be embraced by Your grace.
Just like the prodigal son came to his senses and returned to his father, I lift up those who feel estranged from You. May they discover the encompassing warmth of Your love and journey back into Your open arms. (mention those you know)

Equip me with a heart aligned with Yours, valuing each soul and standing in prayer for those who are often overshadowed. I raise my prayers for the needy, homeless, ailing, and confined. Those lost in sin, those who are troubled at home (let the Holy Spirit lead you).

May they feel Your loving presence, provision, and redemption and see their lives transformed by Your might. As Jesus granted mercy to the repentant thief in his final hours, it reminds me that Your grace knows no bounds. Let this knowledge charge my prayers, realizing that salvation and change can happen even at the last moment.

I pray for those ensnared by transgressions. May they encounter Your life-altering mercy, embrace Your grace and walk on a renewed path of righteousness.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

4. The evening shift in intercession

• “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.”
• This scripture underlines the urgency of the moment, urging us to wake up and understand the times. As intercessors in the evening shift, we perceive this urgency and intensify our prayers.

• “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
• God’s heart is for all to come to the knowledge of the truth. Intercessors during this shift partner with God’s heart, fervently praying for the salvation of the lost, and for any needed intervention.

• “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
• Jesus stresses the urgency of doing God’s work while there is still time. The evening shift captures this sentiment, pushing intercessors to act before it’s too late. Every moment is an opportunity to pray, we pray right through until we see the desired end.

• In the darkest hour of night, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns. Their fervent intercession led not only to their miraculous release but also to the salvation of the jailer and his entire household.
• This story embodies the essence of the evening shift, where prayers can bring salvation even in seemingly dire circumstances.

• Jesus likens His return to a master returning unexpectedly, emphasizing the need to always be prepared.
• Intercessors in the evening shift hold onto this reality, praying for souls to be ready for Christ’s imminent return.

• “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
• As Revelation concludes, a final, urgent invitation is extended to all. This captures the spirit of the evening shift, a pressing call for souls to respond to God’s grace.

In essence, the evening shift in intercession brings with it a deep sense of purpose and urgency. As the day wanes, the imminent return of Christ and the shortness of time become evident. Intercessors in this phase fervently pray for eyes to be opened, hearts to turn to Christ, and souls to be saved before night falls.