Intercessory

Prayer

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

For further information on additional courses write:

Harvestime International Institute

3092 Sultana Dr.

Madera, California 93637

U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

How To Use This Manual. . . . . . . . . I

Suggestions For Group Study. . . . . . . II

Course Introduction . . . . . . . . . 1

Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 2

1. An Introduction To Prayer . . . . . . . 3

2. Intercessory Prayer . . . . . . . . 10

3. Spiritual Resources For Intercession . . . . . 16

4. How To Intercede . . . . . . . . 29

5. Hindrances To Effective Intercession. . . . . 40

6. Using The Model Prayer To Intercede. . . . . 44

7. Interceding For Revival . . . . . . . 56

8. Getting Started And Keeping Going . . . . . . 70

Appendix One: Index Of Prayers In The Bible . . . . . 80

Appendix Two: Study Guide: Biblical Intercession . . . . 92

Answers To Self-Tests. . . . . . . 93

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

MANUAL FORMAT

Each lesson consists of:

Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.

Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.

Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.

Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.

For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.

Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED

You will need a King James version of the Bible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY

FIRST MEETING

Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.

Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.

Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.

Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.

Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.

SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS

Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.

Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.

Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.

Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)

For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.

Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.

INTRODUCTION

You are about to begin an exciting spiritual adventure. Through the pages of this manual you will learn about a powerful supernatural resource available to the Body of Christ, that of intercessory prayer.

In this study you will learn what intercessory prayer is and how to do it effectively using dynamic spiritual resources that have been delegated for this purpose. You will learn what to pray for, how to overcome hindrances to intercessory prayer, and how to get started and keep going.

Your spiritual life and ministry will never again be the same. Are you ready to begin your journey to this exciting spiritual destination?

There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes

Of blinded men to instant perfect sight;

There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise!"

To dying captives, bound in chains of night.

There is a place where thou cast reach the store

Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;

There is a place upon some distant shore

Where thou canst send the worker and the Word;

There is a place where heaven's resistant power

Responsive moves to thine insistent plea;

There is a place-a silent trysting hour-

Where God Himself descends and fights for thee.

Where is that secret place? Dost thou ask where?

O soul, it is the secret place of prayer!

-Author Unknown

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon conclusion of this course you will be able to:

∙ Define prayer.

∙ Explain how prayer is answered.

∙ Summarize the role of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ.

∙ Identify the levels of prayer.

∙ Identify the different types of prayer.

∙ Define intercessory prayer.

∙ Explain the Biblical basis of the believer's ministry as an intercessor.

∙ Identify Jesus Christ as our model for intercession.

∙ Describe how intercession is done.

∙ Explain why intercession is important.

∙ Use spiritual resources for intercession, including delegated power and authority, binding and loosing, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and fasting.

∙ Explain how to intercede.

∙ Summarize principles for effective intercession.

∙ Identify what to intercede for.

∙ Use the promises of God to intercede.

∙ Identify and eliminate hindrances to effective intercession.

∙ Know when not to pray.

∙ Provide Scriptural references for both versions of the model prayer.

∙ Explain why the Lord's prayer is actually a prayer of intercession.

∙ Recite the model prayer from memory.

∙ Use the model prayer as a guide for intercession.

∙ Define revival.

∙ Explain how we can prepare for revival.

∙ Recognize when revival is needed.

∙ Identify evidences of a backslidden condition.

∙ Summarize Biblical principles of revival.

∙ Identify obstacles to revival.

∙ Explain how to use "God's revival plan" to intercede for revival.

∙ Make a plan for organized prayer.

∙ Create a personal prayer manual.

∙ Engage in international intercession.

∙ Identify problems in getting started and keeping going.

∙ Commit yourself to the ministry of intercession.

CHAPTER ONE

AN INTRODUCTION TO PRAYER

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Define prayer.

∙ Explain how prayer is answered.

∙ Summarize the role of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ.

∙ Identify the levels of prayer.

∙ Identify the different types of prayer.

KEY VERSES:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the subject of prayer. You will learn the definition of prayer and the importance Jesus placed on it. You will learn how prayer is answered and the different levels and types of prayer.

THE DEFINITION OF PRAYER

Prayer is communicating with God. It takes different forms, but basically it occurs when man talks with God and God talks with man. Prayer is described as:

Calling upon the name of the Lord: Genesis 12:8

Crying unto God: Psalms 27:7; 34:6

Drawing near to God: Psalms 73:28; Hebrews 10:22

Looking up: Psalms 5:3

Lifting up the soul: Psalms 25:1

Lifting up the heart: Lamentations 3:41

Pouring out the heart: Psalms 62:8

Pouring out the soul: I Samuel 1:15

Crying to Heaven: II Chronicles 32:20

Beseeching the Lord: Exodus 32:11

Seeking God: Job 8:5

Seeking the face of the Lord: Psalms 27:8

Making supplication: Job 8:5; Jeremiah 36:7

Prayer is not just talking to God, but it involves listening also. Prayer is communication, and a one-way conversation does not last long. When you pray, expect God to speak to you. Most often He will do this through His written Word or by a "still small voice" that seems to "speak" to your heart. Sometimes He will give you a vision or interpret back to your spirit what you have prayed in your heavenly prayer language.

Don't just rush in and dump all your requests on God and then end your prayer. Allow time for Him to speak to you. He will give answers to your questions, guidance for the day ahead, and help you order your priorities. Sometimes He will give you a special message of encouragement to share with someone for whom you are interceding.

When you pray, there is no one approved posture for prayer. You may pray while:

Standing: I Kings 8:22; Mark 11:25

Bowing down: Psalms 95:6

Kneeling: II Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 95:6; Luke 22:41; Acts 20:36

Falling on your face: Numbers 16:22; Joshua 5:14; I Chronicles 21:16; Matthew 26:39

Spreading out your hands: Isaiah 1:15; II Chronicles 6:13

Lifting up the hands: Psalms 28:2; Lamentations 2:19; I Timothy 2:8

HOW PRAYER IS ANSWERED

The Bible reveals that prayer is answered:

Immediately at times: Isaiah 65:24; Daniel 9:21-23

Delayed at times: Luke 18:7

Different from our desires: II Corinthians 12:8-9

Beyond our expectations: Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 3:20

THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS

Prayer should be important to us because it was important to the Lord Jesus. Jesus is our greatest model of intercessory prayer. Study each of the following references about the prayer life of Jesus:

JESUS MADE PRAYER A PRIORITY:

-He prayed any time of the day or night: Luke 6:12-13

-Prayer took priority over eating: John 4:31-32

-Prayer took priority over business: John 4:31-32

-He taught prayer to his disciples: Matthew 6:9-13

PRAYER ACCOMPANIED ANY EVENT OF IMPORTANCE IN HIS LIFE:

-At His baptism: Luke 3:21-22

-During the first ministry tour: Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16

-Before the choice of the disciples: Luke 6:12-13

-Before/after feeding the 5,000: Matthew 14:19,23; Mark 6:41,46;

John 6:11,14-15

-At the feeding of the 4,000: Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6,7

-Before the confession of Peter: Luke 9:18

-Before the transfiguration: Luke 9:28,29

-At the return of the seventy: Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21

-At the grave of Lazarus: John 11:41-42

-At the blessing of the children: Matthew 19:13

-At the coming of certain Greeks: John 12:27-28

-For Peter: Luke 22:32

-For the giving of the Holy Spirit: John 14:16

-On the road to Emmaus: Luke 24:30-31

-Prior to His ascension: Luke 24:50-53

-For His followers: John 17

-Before His greatest trial: Matthew 26:26-27;

Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:17-19

LEVELS OF PRAYER

There are three levels of intensity in prayer: Asking, seeking, and knocking:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Asking is the first level of prayer. It is simply presenting a request to God and receiving an immediate answer. In order to receive, the condition is to ask:

...ye have not, because ye ask not. (James 4:2)

Seeking is a deeper level of prayer. This is the level of prayer where answers are not as immediate as at the asking level. The 120 gathered in the upper room where they "continued" in prayer is an example of seeking. These men and women sought fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit and continued "seeking" until the answer came (Acts 1-2).

Knocking is a deeper level. It is prayer that is persistent when answers are longer in coming. It is illustrated by the parable Jesus told in Luke 11:5-10. It is also illustrated by the persistence of Daniel who continued to "knock" despite the fact he saw no visible results because Satan hindered the answer from God (Daniel 10).

TYPES OF PRAYER

Paul calls for believers to pray always with "all prayer" (Ephesians 6:18). Another translation of the Bible reads "praying with every kind of prayer" (Goodspeed Translation). This refers to the various types of prayer which include:

1. WORSHIP AND PRAISE:

You enter into God's presence with worship and praise:

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. (Psalms 100:4)

Worship is the giving of honor and devotion. Praise is thanksgiving and an expression of gratitude not only for what God has done but for who He is. You are to worship God in spirit and in truth:

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.

God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)

Worshiping God in truth means that you worship Him on the basis of what is revealed in the Word of God. To worship Him in Spirit is to do so sincerely in the power of the Holy Spirit, from your innermost being, putting Him first above all others. When you worship in Spirit, you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your worship. You do not use man-made formulas or rituals of worship. You do not just repeat chants or prayers with your mind somewhere else.

Instead, you open up the innermost recesses of your heart and mind, and lift praise and adoration to Him in your own words. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will take over completely and you will begin to worship in the "other tongues" of your prayer language.

Praise and worship can be with:

Singing: Psalms 9:2,11; 40:3; Mark 14:26

Audible praise: Psalms 103:1

Shouting: Psalms 47:1

Lifting up of the hands: Psalms 63:4; 134:2; I Timothy 2:8

Clapping: Psalms 47:1

Musical instruments: Psalms 150:3-5

Standing: II Chronicles 20:19

Bowing: Psalms 95:6

Dancing: Psalms 149:3

Kneeling: Psalms 95:6

Lying down: Psalms 149:5

2. COMMITMENT:

This is prayer committing your life and will to God. It includes prayers of consecration and dedication to God, His work, and His purposes.

3. PETITION:

Prayers of petition are requests. Requests must be made according to the will of God as revealed in His written Word. Petitions may be at the levels of asking, seeking, or knocking. Supplication is another word for this type of prayer. The word supplication means "beseeching God or strongly appealing to Him in behalf of a need.

4. CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE:

A prayer of confession is repenting and asking forgiveness for sin:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

5. INTERCESSION:

Intercession is prayer for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. It is upon this type of prayer that the remainder of this manual focuses.

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define prayer.

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Explain how prayer is answered.

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Summarize the role of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ.

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Identify and define the levels of prayer discussed in this chapter.

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Identify and write a brief synopsis of the five types of prayer discussed in this chapter.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Here is a prayer guide to help you pray for the continents and the world:

On Monday: Pray for Asia

On Tuesday: Pray for Europe

On Wednesday: Pray for Africa

On Thursday: Pray for North America

On Friday: Pray for Latin America

On Saturday: Pray for Oceania (Island nations)

On Sunday: Pray for the entire world

2. Study the following Scriptures again and then experiment by praying in different positions:

Standing: I Kings 8:22; Mark 11:25

Bowing down: Psalms 95:6

Kneeling: II Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 95:6; Luke 22:41; Acts 20:36

Falling on your face: Numbers 16:22; Joshua 5:14; I Chronicles 21:16; Matthew

26:39

Spreading out your hands: Isaiah 1:15; II Chronicles 6:13

Lifting up the hands: Psalms 28:2; Lamentations 2:19; I Timothy 2:8

3. Study the following verses again and then experiment by praising and worshiping God in the various ways Scripture directs:

Singing: Psalms 9:2,11; 40:3; Mark 14:26

Audible praise: Psalms 103:1

Shouting: Psalms 47:1

Lifting up of the hands: Psalms 63:4; 134:2; I Timothy 2:8

Clapping: Psalms 47:1

Musical instruments: Psalms 150:3-5

Standing: II Chronicles 20:19

Bowing: Psalms 95:6

Dancing: Psalms 149:3

Kneeling: Psalms 95:6

Lying down: Psalms 149:5

CHAPTER TWO

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Define intercessory prayer.

∙ Explain the Biblical basis of the believer's ministry as an intercessor.

∙ Identify Jesus Christ as our model for intercession.

∙ Explain how to intercede.

∙ Explain why intercession is important.

KEY VERSE:

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

INTRODUCTION

In the last lesson you learned that intercession is praying for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. When you pray this way, you are interceding:

"Intercession may be defined as holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention." (Full Life Bible)

It is upon this type of prayer that the remainder of this manual focuses. In this lesson you will learn the Biblical basis of intercession and about our model for intercession, the Lord Jesus Christ. You will also learn how to do intercession and why it is an important ministry.

THE BIBLICAL BASIS OF INTERCESSION

The Biblical basis for the New Testament believer's ministry of intercessory prayer is our calling as priests unto God. The Word of God declares that we are a holy priesthood (I Peter 2:5), a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9), and a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:5).

The background for understanding this calling to priestly intercession is found in the Old Testament example of the Levitical priesthood. The priest's responsibility was to stand before and between. He stood before God to minister to Him with sacrifices and offerings. The priests also stood between a righteous God and sinful man bringing them together at the place of the blood sacrifice.

Hebrews 7:11-19 explains the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the priest. The Old Testament Levitical priesthood was passed on from generation to generation through the descendants of the tribe of Levi. "The Melchizedek priesthood" spoken of in this passage, is the "new order" of spiritual priests of whom the Lord Jesus is the High Priest. It is passed on to us through His blood and our spiritual birth as new creatures in Christ.

THE MODEL INTERCESSOR

The Bible records that God's purpose in sending Jesus was for Him to serve as an intercessor:

And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him. (Isaiah 59:16)

Jesus stands before God and between Him and sinful man, just as the Old Testament priests did:

For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5)

...It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

Jesus brings sinful man and a righteous God together at the place of the blood sacrifice for sin. No longer is the blood of animals necessary as it was in the Old Testament. We can now approach God on the basis of the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins. Because of the blood of Jesus, you can approach God boldly without timidity (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jesus was an intercessor while He was here on earth. He prayed for those who were sick and possessed by demons. He prayed for His disciples. He even prayed for you when He interceded for all those who would believe on Him. Jesus continued His ministry of intercession after His death and resurrection when He returned to Heaven. He now serves as our intercessor in Heaven.

HOW TO INTERCEDE

As intercessors following the Old Testament priestly function and the New Testament pattern of Jesus, we stand before God and between a righteous God and sinful man. In order to be effective standing "between" we must first stand "before" God to develop the intimacy necessary to fulfill this role.

Numbers 14 is one of the greatest accounts of intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible. Moses was able to stand between God and sinful man because he had stood "before" Him and had developed intimacy of communication. Numbers 12:8 records that God spoke with Moses as friend to friend and not through visions and dreams as He did with other prophets.

As New Testament believers we no longer sacrifice animals as in Old Testament times. We stand before the Lord to offer up spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:5) and the sacrifice of our own lives (Romans 12:1). It is on the basis of this intimate relationship with God that we can then stand "between" Him and others, serving as an advocate and intercessor in their behalf.

Peter uses two words to describe this priestly ministry: "Holy" and "royal." Holiness is required to stand before the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We are able to do it only on the basis of the righteousness of Christ not our own righteousness. Royalty is descriptive of the kingly authority which is delegated to us as members of the "royal family," so to speak, with legitimate access to the throne room of God.

Sometimes this priestly intercession is done with understanding. This occurs when you intercede for others in your own native language and you understand what you are saying:

I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

For kings, and for all that are in authority... (I Timothy 2:1-2)

At other times, intercession is made by the Holy Spirit. It may be with groanings resulting from a heavy spiritual burden. It may also be in an unknown tongue. When this happens, the Holy Spirit speaks through you praying directly to God according to the will of God:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(I Corinthians 14:2)

You do not understand this type of intercession with your mind, but it is the deepest level of intercessory prayer and the most effective because it is made "according to the will of God." Your mind and will do not affect the prayers prayed by the Holy Spirit through you in an unknown tongue.[1]

WHY INTERCESSION IS IMPORTANT

Intercession is obviously important because of the emphasis Jesus placed on it in His own earthly ministry. Its importance is also revealed in the Biblical record which is filled with the stories of men and women who experienced powerful results through effective intercession.

Through effective intercession, you can go spiritually anywhere in the world. Your prayers have no limitations of distance as they can penetrate unreached nations and cross through geographical, cultural and political barriers. You can affect the destiny of individuals and entire nations. You can actually help save lives and souls of men and women, boys and girls and extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God around the world as you intercede in prayer.

_________________

[1] For additional information on speaking in other tongues consult the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit."

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define intercessory prayer.

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Explain the Biblical basis of the believer's ministry as an intercessor.

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Who is our model for intercession?

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Explain how intercession is done.

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Explain why intercession is important.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

One of the greatest examples of intercessory prayer is the prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17. Use the following outline to study this prayer:

Jesus prays for Himself: John 17:1-5

Summarize His requests for Himself:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Jesus prays for His immediate disciples: John 17:6-19

Summarize His requests for His immediate disciples:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Jesus prays for His future disciples: John 17:20-23

List the specific requests Jesus makes for His future disciples:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Jesus concludes His prayer: John 17:24-26

Summarize how Jesus concludes His prayer:

_______________________________________________________________________________

What is His specific desire?

_______________________________________________________________________________

What did He declare to His followers?

_______________________________________________________________________________

What does He want to be "in them"?__________________________________________________

CHAPTER THREE

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES FOR INTERCESSION

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Identify the spiritual resources for intercession, including:

∙ Delegated power and authority.

∙ Binding and loosing.

∙ The Name of Jesus.

∙ The Blood of Jesus.

∙ Fasting.

∙ Use these spiritual resources in intercession.

KEY VERSE:

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1)

INTRODUCTION

God has provided tremendous spiritual resources for this ministry of intercession to which we are called. In this lesson you will learn how to use these resources which include delegated power and authority, binding and loosing, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus and fasting.

DELEGATED POWER AND AUTHORITY

When we intercede in prayer we actually battle with our enemy, Satan, for the souls of men and women, boys and girls, for nations, and spiritual and political leaders. We do not do this in our own ability or strength, but on the basis of the spiritual power and authority delegated to us by Jesus:

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1)

There is a difference between authority and power. Consider the example of a policeman. He has a badge and a uniform which are symbols of his authority. His authority comes because of the position he holds with the government. Since not all people respect that authority, the policeman also carries a weapon and that weapon is his power. Your authority over the enemy comes through Jesus Christ and your position in Him as a believer. Your power over the enemy comes through the Holy Spiri