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Newfoundland Catholic Renewal

articles

Intercession - A Report from Newfoundland, Canada
by Joanie Farrell




"Intercession is an act of love..."

















"Many personal sharings conveyed what Intercessory prayer can accomplish." 








​

Zech 4:6 says "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." 

Lord Alfred Tennyson wrote, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." 

The CCR in Newfoundland has been encouraged by Cyril John and his book Pray Lifting up Holy Hands and this book has been the impetus in helping us develop intercession as a focus. One of our NCR members also had traveled to Ghana last summer and the CCR there encouraged that intercession needed to be a concerted effort of all initiatives so that the CCR would expand here. A number of members from NCR came together in October 2012 to form a Committee of Intercessors. The weekend was a great learning experience for all of us on the power of intercession. We became aware of the necessity of fervent prayer and being of one heart, we committed ourselves to the work the Lord is calling us to " commitment without condition. We now give to the Lord our undivided attention for 15 minutes every day interceding for the needs of Charismatic Renewal in Newfoundland and for the Church. We have a group of intercessors across the Island who are committed to the work of intercession. 

We gave a series of talks based on the book, Pray Lifting up Holy Hands beginning with: "What is Intercession"? Cyril John who wrote in his book that intercession is an act of love; it goes beyond ourselves it is the entering in a human divine partnership in God"s mission for the world. "Intercession in the Catholic Tradition" was the second talk. God"s purpose has to be complete in us. It is difficult to pray for those who have hurt us but adds it can only be done by the grace of God. We have the Communion of Saints interceding with us and the holiness of one profits many. As Catholics, we have many traditions that help us in the work of intercession: Holy Mass, Novenas, Rosaries, chaplets, etc. The third talk was based on "Spiritual Intercession for Those in Authority" noting that political leaders need full time prayer as well as leaders in the Church and in Renewal. They are under attack most because they have the greatest accountability. Prayer is not an option but a necessity. The final talk dealt with Spiritual Warfare: The world, the flesh, and the devil. We need to reclaim what belongs to God and take back from what the enemy has stolen. We have the power to push back the enemy. We must pray strategically and have a targeted plan to push back Satan and claim our territory. We are not to be not afraid; but be aware of where the enemy is working. We were given a word from the Lord telling us to tear down the work of the enemy. Prayer is like a demolition crew; it tears down walls and removes debris. My children, I will use you like a hammer and other tools to destroy and tear down what I did not erect. I will be with you; you are not alone. I will work through you. At the end of the weekend, we compiled a list of areas that we wanted to intercede and the Lord certainly aided us in putting this together. Every participant was given the list to help guide their prayer time. 

During our summer Charismatic Conference, we had intercessors at the four corners of the meeting auditorium, praying in tongues and interceding for all those who attended. It was the strongest conference we have ever had in regard to Word Gift. 

We are slowly but fervently learning how to stand in the gap as Moses did for his people in Egypt. We see the need to submit our will to God. We pray with fervent, contrite, confident hearts allowing God to increase our faith, trust, and hope. We know He will hear and answer our prayers the best way possible " His Way. 

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a gift to the whole Church. We have received power from on high and it is time for us to stand in the breach and use that Power, praying without ceasing and watching the Holy Spirit move in and through His Holy Church; too, we will see God raise up HIS Renewal that was born out of His love for all His people. 

Many personal sharings conveyed what Intercessory prayer can accomplish. One story told a message of conversion, another, of physical healing, and still another, of holy service " all for the Glory to the Lord. 

We are interceding for the needs of our church, the renewal, the Prayer Groups, for each other and for the many contentious situations around the world. We pray for all leaders in high places that they will conform to the will of God and bring about peace, love & dignity to every human being. We pray that God will tear down what He did not erect and that He will build up all that is holy. We pray for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. 

We are growing up and growing so aware of the need to be of one heart & mind in prayer " taking up the burdens of others - going forward with expectant FAITH (in this Year of Faith) knowing that God hears the hearts of His children. 

Mother Theresa once said "Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God"s gift of Himself." God has a significant work to do in and through all of us. 

The NCR is growing through prayer " prayer from the heart. . It is a mighty work God has entrusted to us. Let us not just say a prayer; let us pray a prayer. More prayer; more power. Little prayer; little power. No prayer; no power. 

Joanie Farrell 

Secretary, NCR 

Update:
​
Well, it has been three years since we began our commitment to intercessory prayer; we had made a commitment to pray strategically for fifteen minutes a day for the many needs of the church, renewal and for the world. 

You may be wondering is this prayer bearing good fruit. Yes, in many ways! Just to name a few: 

  • There has been a fervent return to the Christian faith for some who were moving away; Prayer is turning them around in a right direction. We had nine people enter our church in the past two years. I had the honor of working on RCIA with them
  • Christian Catholic Outreach is sent 3 missionaries in the fall of 2015 to Memorial University Campus.
  • New prayer groups have begun to emerge that are very strong in drawing back people from years ago.
  • Doors are being opened that are needed and doors are closing that need to close.
  • An ongoing effort to support victims of sexual abuse and bring the perpetrators to justice, and hopefully to repentance; recoveries from addictions.

  • Walls of resistance are coming down through Intercessory Prayer ... very encouraging! 

    New growth in prayer groups " growth that is strong. 

    On the provincial level the spiritual growth and development within the NCR Committee is precious and the level of maturity is such that the members of the committee are talking about the suffering we are willing to endure for the sake of His body the Church in Newfoundland. That is a mature spirituality and only the fruit of prayer can accomplish this. We have only begun to see the fruit that this intercession will bring raining down on this province. That will happen through unceasing prayer and fasting and commitment to it. After reading Cyril John"s book, I know it can happen. 

    It may seem small but I think of how we set a small seed, through prayer of Intercession, can grow into a mighty Oak" We have a mighty God and He gives us a mighty work to do " let us not delay but let us do it now. 

    As a follow- up to this Intercessory prayer, we were blessed to have Cyril John with us this Past June; he did an amazing retreat on Intercessory Prayer with us here in Newfoundland and was pleased with what we are trying to accomplish through intercession. Our hearts were deeply moved as we watched his faithful wife, Elsamma intercede for Cyril as he taught us true intercession. Our hearts are thirstier now to grow in intercession. From this retreat with Cyril John, we have heightened our commitment that includes more prayer warriors from across our Island who are meeting faithfully once a week to pray whatever the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and yes, He really speaks and there are many needs. Cyril John has told us to put our ear to the heart of Jesus, listen and He will reveal to us what and who to pray for. It is so beautiful and amazing "God has set us as a seal upon His own heart. 

    All Intercessory groups from across the Island report every session back to the coordinator and they are kept on record for future reference. It is amazing to see the similarities in all the reports that come in faithfully each week; we are into our seventh week now. It is so exciting to be a part of this great work of the Holy Spirit; we never know what He will call us too, we are not always ready but we are always willing. I will conclude with saying, put your ear to His heart, listen and you will hear Him calling you. 

    These are two words, I feel to share as they are so confirming of our work through intercessory prayer. 

    A vision was given of a huge pot of gold. Our prayers were being poured over this pot, and something like the smoke of incense was rising upwards. 

    A huge Altar with the Crucified Jesus with His face down turned. On His back was fruit so fresh and abundant that you wanted to reach up and take one. Jesus saying you can take this now and eat. 

    Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf" 

    Love & Prayers 

    Joanie Farrell, Secretary, NCR

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Events
    • Upcoming and Recent
    • Past Events
  • Teachings
  • Articles
    • ADVENT: Our Yes to God
    • Life with Jesus after My Divorce
    • Deception
    • Power of the Holy Sprirt
    • Suffering
    • Third Person of the Trinity
    • Intercession
    • Bringing Light to Youth
    • Boats, Cars & Companions
    • Royal Road
    • Mother Teresa's Letters to Eileen
    • Telling Lies
  • Prayer Meetings
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