AN INDEPTH STUDY OF HUMAN INTERCESSION AND DIVINE INTERVENTION (A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED CHRISTIAN INTERCESSORS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Everyone needs to pray and intercede. There are situations that money or connections can’t resolve; where the rich and strong are pushed down, Prayer/intercession is designed for those who need help, Prayer prepares and energizes us for the day of our need (Exodus 2:23-25). There is no divine intervention without intercession. Divine intervention can be said to simply mean a sudden movement of God upon our challenge or situation. It is when God fights for you and your enemy’s destroy themselves; when you don’t have to stretch a finger to be a winner in any challenge or battle (Exodus 14:13-14). It is when God does the unusual and uncommon and you can’t explain it. We need divine intervention when we are edged in with no way out or hopeless in situations. Jehoshaphat found himself in such a situation where he felt he had no way out. He cried out to God and interceded for his people, God heard his cry and intervened in his situation (2 Chronicles 18:31). We also need divine intervention when there is no human solution and we have done everything that can be done. Jesus intervened in a seemingly hopeless situation when Lazarus had died. His sister cried out and Jesus intervened, bringing Lazarus back to life (John 11:40). Bishop Abioye of living faith church provided four keys to approaching God in payers and intercession. The first of these is to come boldly to God (Hebrews 4:16). This is enhanced by understanding that we come to God as sons; with no fear, but liberty, assurance and confidence in His compassion and grace. The second key is to come with expectation (Acts 3:5). The third key is to let go of anxiety and the fourth key is to call for mercy (Psalm 34:17). Mercy touches the emotion of God and moves His heart. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we need to cry out to God, our Father for divine intervention. He is the One who will answer our prayer and do as only He can do in our lives.

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

The perceived poor human intercession/prayers by Christians in churches and Christian gatherings has led to reduced incidences of divine intervention or God’s answers to prayers. Prayers/intercession is a cardinal pillar of every church, Christian gathering or a Christian. As the saying goes that a prayer less Christian is a powerless Christian, this has regrettably been the case in the lives of Christians and God has as a result appear to be far away in terms of his intervention and answers to prayers.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the impact of human intercession on divine intervention and to carefully x-ray them. Other objectives of the study are;

1. To examine the benefits of human intercession in churches and among Christians.
2. To examine the impact of human intercession on divine intervention among Christians.
3. To examine the factors hindering effective human intervention among Christians.
4. To assess the level of divine intervention and answers to prayers among Christians.
5. To recommend ways of improving human intercession among Christians in Nigeria.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the benefits of human intercession in churches and among Christians?
2. What is the impact of human intercession on divine intervention among Christians?
3. What are the factors hindering effective human intervention among Christians?
4. What is the level of divine intervention and answers to prayers among Christians?
5. What are the ways of improving human intercession among Christians in Nigeria?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: Human intercession does not influence divine intervention.

H1: Human intercession significantly influences divine intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance towards improving human intercession among Christians in Nigeria as it would highlight ways of improving human intercession. The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further research on the subject matter.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is on the in depth study of human intercession and divine intervention among Christians a case study of Christian intercessors.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire information and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.