There is great power in the act of intercession, through which God's will is released onto the earth. Yet we often intercede ineffectively, spending much of our prayer time asking for what we want without first considering God's heart and will. Or we may feel intimidated by the concept of intercession or mistakenly think we don't have what it takes to intercede. In The Beginner's Guide to Intercession, pastor, author, and speaker Dutch Sheets teaches readers how to intercede from a place of friendship with God, making it a passion, not a performance; a lifestyle, not a labor.
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, gifted teacher, and conference speaker. He travels extensively, challenging believers for passionate prayer and societal reformation. Seeing America experience a sweeping revival and return to its Godly heritage is Dutch’s greatest passion. He is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging believers to contend for awakening. Dutch has written over 23 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international bestseller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. He is fondly known to many as Papa Dutch. Treasuring time spent with their family and grandchildren. Dutch and Ceci, his wife of 40 plus years, enjoy quiet walks in the woods, reading, and playing a little golf. They make their home in beautiful South Carolina.
What I appreciate most about this insightful and practical book is its emphasis on prayer as a way to draw nearer to God. Intercession rises out of that, but the essence of prayer is relationship with God. It’s not about bringing Him our wish lists.
Through Scripture, personal examples and the experiences of others, the author shares key principles of intercession. This isn’t a “name it and claim it” book, but one that points to the Holy Spirit leading people to pray for those things He wants to accomplish. Some of the stories have miraculous endings – but they’re results of God’s direction in prayer, not formulas to follow to get whatever we want to ask.
Easy to read and understand, each chapter builds on those before. The book challenged and equipped me to deepen the intercession part of my prayer life, and to ask to see what (and how) God is calling me to meet with Him about in prayer.
Dutch Sheets’ website tagline is “Teach – Awaken – Restore”. He’s an author, speaker and teacher, and you can find more about his books and ministry at dutchsheets.org.
"We must learn to be proactive in our intercession, not waiting for Satan's attacks and then reacting, but proactively praying against the stealing, killing, and destroying of the "thief" ~ Dutch Sheets, The Beginner's Guide to Intercession, p. 135
This book will give you insight into the work of intercession. Learn how to pray for others and be lead by the Holy Spirit to pray for others.
I encourage you to read all of Dutch Sheets books on intercessory prayer: Watchman Prayer, Intercessory Prayer, Authority in Prayer... Dutch Sheets is a seasoned intercessor and you will be encouraged to start taking back the ground that the devil has stolen from you and those you love through the power of intercessory prayer.
Everything that Dutch Sheets has written that I've read has been very good. The only disappointment with this one was the fact that I read it after several other books and he tells the same stories in this one as in the others. So, in a way, it was a bit repetitive. But for someone wanting a basic discussion on prayer I still recommend it.
Very good and informative book. It was very clear and made me evaluate my role as an intercessor. I would recommend this book to anyone starting out in intercessory prayer and anyone that wants a clearer understanding.
God has blessed me by this book and opened up the treasure chest of His deeper understanding about His Divine Power that He has made available to us for equipping us for His greater works n plans.
Read this book if you want to accomplish more in prayer. It is easy to accomplish reading one chapter a day. I don't know if all of it is Scriptural; the author may have taken some Scriptures out of context. I do believe that we ask for and believe for much less than God wants to give us.