In the second article of this series, Karen Vercruse shares more of her faith community’s involvement in the political sphere and how they engaged in Intercessory Activism. When asked, “What kind of support did you have and did it matter?” Karen shares some key insights for intercessors. 

Here are two examples of how intercessors engaged in the political process on two separate issues facing our community:

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Our community became the leading abortion provider in our region. That galvanized a committed segment of the faith community to address the need for alternatives to abortion. Eventually a Women’s Resource Clinic was established, prayer in front of Planned Parenthood was organized, and churches began to get involved with the pro-life movement. Many lives have been changed and saved, and the number of abortions performed has declined. In this instance, I was not a leader, but a volunteer and a supporter. It put me in touch with leaders in the faith community, and allowed me to build relationships with them. These relationships became important for other community involvements down the road. In this case, the support came largely from people of faith.

In contrast, for one major local land use policy, the support was a coalition of a variety of interested factions: farmers, businesspeople, environmental advocates, developers, various community organizations, and city and county leaders. I was nominated as the Coalition spokesperson. The Church was not visibly or vocally involved as a group or organization, but I did have Christian relationships across the community, some personal prayer support, and brought what I knew of godly stewardship of the land to the discussion. I used biblical principles, but without overt Christian references. This was a major controversy, and had been raging for decades. The city and county were gridlocked. Local elections were greatly impacted. Lawsuits were filed. There was a crying need for godly wisdom, justice, resolution, and unity. The spiritual warfare was intense. The coalition finally did prevail, and prayer certainly did play a vital role in that. The city and county agreed upon a General Plan for the city. A Green Line was established between them, directing growth away from valuable farmland. That line still holds over 30 years later. It has proven to be an important, defining factor in the character of our city, good stewardship of our land, and in our quality of life.

Although these examples are quite different from each other, the support that was offered for each made a huge difference in their outcomes. The value of godly, prayerful support cannot be over-estimated. It changes the spiritual atmosphere over a locale, allowing the Holy Spirit freedom to work.

1. It brings God’s wisdom and understanding to bear for decision-making and direction.
2. It invites God’s favor for people and problem-solving.
3. It provides resources – both spiritual and practical – to accomplish His purposes.
4. It activates God’s people to be the salt and light of the world, as they are called to be.

There are myriad ways anyone can choose to be a supporter. God is no respecter of persons, and He delights in a humble, willing heart. Ask Him to use you, and He is faithful to guard, guide, and provide what you need for His purposes and to His glory.