Moving toward God through intentional practice

The practices we keep in life shape and form us along the way. Being intentional about those practices allows us to hold agency over who we’re becoming. Without intentionality, we simply drift in whatever direction the winds of our world want to take us. We’re choosing to engage in spiritual practices that enable us to be and become the men, women and children God designed us to be. 

Spiritual practices are:

“Habits, practices, and experiences that are designed to develop, grow, and strengthen certain qualities of spirit - to build the “muscles” of one’s character and expand the breadth of one’s inner life. They structure the “workouts” which train the soul.” 

~ Richard Foster

Every other month, we’ll focus on one spiritual practice intended to shape and form us in God’s image …

Intercession

January/February 2026

“I know a guy.” How many times have we heard that line in film or pop culture? How many times have you wished you knew a guy in your day to day life? Probably a lot. It’s often the way things move forward in communities. From job hunting to getting your car fixed, having a friend who knows the decision-maker or people with the right skills/resources has always been an effective way to get things done.

For those who decide to put their faith and trust in God, they’ve essentially begun a relationship with the One who can get anything done! That’s where intercession comes into play. Intercession, as a practice of faith, is the act of petitioning God on behalf of another person/people or situation. Somebody has a need, you hear about it and your response is to take it to God. Basically, “I know a guy.” 

For the months of January and February, our Vineyard Church family is practicing intercession together. We would love for you to join us.

Practice 

  1. Topic. Pick a topic to pray for. Consider Pray for Your Five.  

  2. Routine. Pick a time and practice in your daily routine to attach intercession to. If you pray daily, include intercession in your prayer routine. If you commute to work every day, intercede during that time.

  3. Focus. Ask for help to define and refine the ask. You might ask the person you’re praying for or simply hold that person/situation up to God in prayer, asking for clarity and guidance on how & what to pray.

  4. Ask. Keep asking. As you begin, remind yourself of God’s invitation to intercede with boldness and persistence (Heb 4.16, Lk 11.8-9). Intercession doesn’t have to be a long, drawn out affair. You’re not attempting to convince or argue God into action. Instead, you’re looking to discern God’s heart/intent for the person/situation, then join Him in persistently and boldly interceding for that very thing.

  5. Check-in. From time to time, it’ll be good to check with the person or situation you’ve been praying for AND check with God… has there been any movement or change? Is God prompting you to alter or refine your ask?

  6. Keep going till... there’s a clear answer/outcome OR you get a clear sense in prayer that it’s time to move on.

Tell your story - don’t forget to tell others about how it’s going.