Podcast Summary: "The Prayer Of Intercession, Part 1"

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Date: January 7, 2024
Guest Speaker: Kenneth Copeland
Occasion: Holy Ghost Meetings 2024 – Saturday AM

Main Theme

This episode, led by Kenneth Copeland, delves into the scriptural foundation, power, and practical application of the prayer of intercession. Through biblical exposition and vivid anecdotes, Copeland emphasizes why understanding and practicing intercessory prayer is crucial for believers, the Church, and the world at large. The message underscores the authority of the believer, the importance of words, and standing in the spiritual gap for individuals, churches, and nations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Power of Words & Spiritual Accountability

• Copeland opens with a study of Matthew 12 and stresses that words are more than mere communication. They are "spiritual containers" that shape realities and destinies.
• Idle Words: He warns about the consequence of careless talk, noting that every idle, inoperative, or non-working word will be accounted for (Matthew 12:36-37).
  • Quote: “Every word. Words are spiritual containers. God created the universe with his word.” — Kenneth Copeland (05:04)
• He shares a story about a man who continually joked “If the train doesn’t hit me,” until an actual train accident happened—illustrating negative self-fulfilling prophecies. (06:16)

2. Understanding Intercession

• Copeland shifts to the topic of intercession, explaining that it is much misunderstood and underutilized among believers.
  • Quote: “My people know little to nothing about intercession. They don’t know how to intercede or make supplication for someone… You make supplication standing in the gap.” — Kenneth Copeland (08:20)
• He references Charles Finney’s mighty revivals, highlighting that behind every move of God, intercessors paved the way: “Nobody talks about his intercessor… she prayed the power down on the place.” (07:46)
• Intercession is not just for individuals, but for cities and churches—“Restore this to him, restore this to her, restore this to this church.” (09:09)

3. Praying in the Spirit – Gateway to the Supernatural

• Copeland highlights praying in tongues as a crucial element (“gateway to the supernatural”) to effective intercession, referencing Paul: “I pray with my spirit, by the Holy Spirit within me. That’s what the Amplified said.” (10:08)

4. Scriptural Deep Dives

• Romans 8:18-39: He expounds the role of the Holy Spirit in intercession: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities… takes hold together with us against our infirmities.” (16:00)
• The literal Greek is explored: “Takes hold together with us against,” emphasizing partnership with the Holy Spirit in prayer (17:43)
• He cautions against taking scriptures out of context (“Like skipping a rock across a pond—eventually you’ll sink.”) (22:03)

5. Real-Life Examples of Intercession in Action

• Story: Willie’s Church in Alabama (24:50):
  • Willie was denied entry to a revival because he was black. When he prayed, feeling rejected, God told him “They won’t let me in there either.” Because he interceded for the church, they repented, invited him back, and had “one of the greatest meetings that church had ever experienced.”
• Story: Dry Church Revived (26:45):
  • Copeland revives a lifeless church through bold ministry—“They came alive!”—emphasizing the power of spiritual obedience and intercession.

6. The Cosmic Role of Jesus’ Intercession

• Hebrews 2: Jesus’ suffering, death, and triumph as the ultimate act of intercession (32:10).
  • Quote: “He shall taste death for every man. I’m talking about intercession. He tasted death for every human being.” (35:12)
• The deep connection of the blood covenant—“Jesus of Nazareth is my blood brother.” (37:10)

7. Authority in the Name of Jesus

• Healing ministry stories show the bold use of Jesus’ name during prayer, not only as supplication but as command.
  • Quote: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whose I am and whom I serve, take your hands off of God’s property!” (41:55)

8. Overcoming the “Fear of Death”

• Hebrews 2:14-15 is highlighted: Christ liberated all who were “held in bondage through the haunting fear of death” (47:35).
  • Quote: “People are not afraid to fly. No, they’re afraid to die. That’s right, that’s right. Fear of death. That’s it.” (49:43)
• Copeland illustrates how operating in faith defuses fear, recounting stories of facing fear in ministry and aviation.

9. Channeling the Power Within; Motive Matters

• Believers are filled with the Spirit’s power—“so full of power.” He rebukes prayers of lack (“Lord, send more power,” to which God replied, “Where am I going to get it?”) (53:25)
• Motives in prayer: Why are you praying as you do?
  • “Why are you not praying at all? Why are you in such a hurry?” (56:36)
  • His prayer routine includes confessions of love and obedience to God’s commands (57:05)

10. Righteousness, Submission & Conduct

• The royal priesthood of believers: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” (1 Peter 2:9 quoted at 1:02:57)
• Calling for humility, right conduct, and submission to authorities (regardless of their merits), because believers reflect Christ (1:04:10).

11. Spiritual Warfare & National Intercession

• Briefly addresses spiritual warfare over nations and politics (Book of Daniel, Michael and Gabriel). The responsibility is prayer, not judgment: “I’m not the judge. I have no right to judge anybody. Politicians come under those wicked spirits in the heavenlies.” (1:07:41)
• He references Rick Renner’s work in Russia as evidence of the power of persistent, faith-filled petition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On careless words:

  “Every word. Words are spiritual containers. God created the universe with his word.”
  — Kenneth Copeland (05:04)

• On the Church’s lack of intercession:

  “My people know little to nothing about intercession. They don’t know how to intercede or make supplication for someone… You make supplication standing in the gap.”
  — Kenneth Copeland (08:20)

• On partnership with the Holy Spirit in prayer:

  “He [the Spirit] takes hold together with us against our infirmities. We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings.”
  — Kenneth Copeland (17:56)

• Story – Overcoming Racism in the Church:

  “The Lord said, ‘Willie, they won’t let me in there either.’”
  — Kenneth Copeland (25:35)

• On spiritual authority:

  “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whose I am and whom I serve, take your hands off of God’s property!”
  — Kenneth Copeland (41:55)

• On overcoming fear of death:

  “People are not afraid to fly. No, they’re afraid to die. That’s right, that’s right. Fear of death. That’s it.”
  — Kenneth Copeland (49:43)

• On God’s power within:

  “You are so full of power—the spirit that created this universe is on the inside.”
  — Kenneth Copeland (54:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening, the Power of Words (00:00–08:00)
• Misunderstandings about Intercession (08:00–11:00)
• Scriptural Foundations – Romans 8 & Hebrews 2 (16:00–35:00)
• Testimonies on Intercession (24:50–29:40)
• Authority & Spiritual Warfare (32:10–41:00)
• Healing Encounter via Intercession (41:45–46:00)
• On Fear of Death (47:35–51:00)
• Prayer Routine & Motives (54:00–58:00)
• Conduct, Righteousness, and National Intercession (1:02:57–1:10:00)
• Wrapping Intercession, Spiritual Authority (1:13:30–end)

Final Words & Application

• Believers are “royal priests” with a responsibility and privilege to intercede for others, churches, and nations.
• Stand on the authority of the Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit—use faith-filled words, not idle or negative confession.
• Keep a prayer journal, seek God’s heart, and partner with Him in prayer that aligns with His Word and will (1:11:33).
• Quote: "It is our job to intercede. We need to be doing this a lot. And make notes, keep a journal, make notes, and then talk to other people about it." — Kenneth Copeland (1:11:33)

This episode is a faith-charged, scripture-rich call to deeper, bolder, and more informed intercessory prayer, blending biblical truth, personal testimony, and practical guidance for every believer.