Learning to Intercede and Read Your Burden

Many of you are aware that each week we host a major prayer gathering in Cleveland at the Prayer Barn at the Omega Ranch. We often have 50 to 140 people gathered for deep intercession.  There have been several occasions when during intercession, individuals in deep prayer would come under a heavy burden of intercession and afterwards sense within their spirit they were praying for a particular person in a certain situation.

                From the time of a child, I observed my Father, Fred Stone, come under a heavy burden and engage in serious prayer, often for an hour or longer.  As a youth, I never quite understood why he prayed so intense and so long. When I was called into the ministry, I began to understand the importance of Dad’s sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and how he was being led by the Lord into a secret place of prayer for an extended season.  I would later witness how his prayers would prevent an accident or a tragedy from occurring. This included family situations.

                It is often difficult for a believer to discern those moments why their hearts are heavy and their spirits are weighty at determined seasons and special moments during the year. If a believer is not in tune with the Holy Spirit, it is easy to override the inner feelings that are indicating something is wrong or someone is in danger. The burden can often be confused with a feeling that the heaviness is mental oppression or depression. They may attempt to become busy or active in thinking that the excessive activity will ease the weight and lift the burden.

                There is no telling how many times in the past believers have ignored a burden to pray, resulting in a catastrophic attack or a pre-mature death.  At times, the person who ignored the inner signals would state that they felt something bad was about to happen but they didn’t pay proper attention to what they were feeling internally. Thus, an opportunity for divine intervention was lost due to an insensitive spirit

                One of the many things we are teaching our younger prayer warriors is learning how to not just pray with your mouth but to listen with your ears.  The other day at the Extreme in Cleveland, we had a most unusual service. The weight of God’s presence fell like a warm blanket over the entire congregation and many were on their face on the floor seeking the Lord.  I actually tried to get up and was unable to for over one hour. We sensed this was a time of intercession and especially for something going on in Israel.  About 24 hours later we heard where Israel had called in their reserves to move them toward the southern and northern borders.  This can be an indication of a major military campaign in a few weeks that may transpire.

                May I suggest to each of you that the most important spiritual act you can engage in as a mature believer, is intercessory prayer! This was the main reason I believe the Holy Spirit had me write the book, “Opening the Gates of Heaven,” which is a very detailed manuscript covering the subject of prayer from various angles.  Allow me to encourage you to get a copy of this NEW book if you have not already received one. The power of prayer will change your life!

God Bless You,