Sung
Oh Lord... we come...
To You... we lay our lives before You
You know... our needs... before... we asked.
So we come... not for ourselves...
But we're crying out for the nations.
Oh Lord... we pray...
Give us beauty for ashes,
Strength for our weakness,
Oh Lord... we pray...
Give us faith to believe,
Hearts that we seek.
Oh Lord... we pray...
As Your church, we arise,
Jesus, please hear our cry and have mercy...
Spoken
Do I have a room full of intercessors tonight
Who will begin to lift up your voice?
Some of you may even want to run to the altar.
And begin to lift up your voice
Not on behalf of yourself,
But on behalf of the nations.
Is there anyone that would join me
In praying for the nations of the earth,
That the government will be upon His shoulders,
That the Lord of glory will intervene
And hear the affairs of man?
Where are the intercessors?
Where are those who will cry out?
Where are those who will believe God,
Who will say...
Sung
"Oh God, hear Your people.
Oh God, hear the cries of Your people."
As we lift up our voices tonight,
As we lift up our voices tonight.
If we've ever needed You,
Right now is the time,
Right now is the time to
Change the nations, Lord. (3x)
Reveal Your glory.
And let Your church rise.
Oh God, reveal Your glory.
And let the church rise.
Oh God, let the government be on your shoulders.
Intervene on the behalf of every leader,
Every nation, we cry out, we cry out, we cry out.
We cry out, oh... We need You...
Have mercy on us, Lord. (3x)
And turn our hearts back to You.
Turn our hearts back to You. (2x)
Turn our hearts back to You, oh God.
Reveal Your Son; release miracles.
Signs of wonders, oh God, release miracles.
Signs of wonders, that You will be glorified.
High and lifted up, and the nations will tremble.
The nations will come in fear and say
"Jesus Christ is Lord!" (2x)
You are Lord!
Let the church rise (3x)
Come on, lift up your voices
Let a sound be heard (2x)
Through the nations of the earth.
Oh...
The change I want to see
Must first begin in me
I surrender, so your world can be changed.
(6x)
The change I want to see
Must first begin in me
I surrender (8x)
So your world can be changed.
Spoken
You are the light of the world.
Cities set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Whether you know it or not,
The world is looking at you
Because the answer that they seek
Is on the inside of You.
So I say:
Sung
If they're looking for You
Let them find You in me
(2x)
If they're looking for You, Jesus
Let them find You in me
(2x)
The change I want to see
Must first begin in me...
I surrender all...
Song of Intercession
Song of Intercession Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on October 24, 2014, William McDowell’s “Song of Intercession” emerged as a powerful call to the foundational practice of prayer that undergirds faith. More than just a worship track, this piece delves into the spiritual discipline of interceding on behalf of others, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture. The song acts as an expression of the groanings of the Spirit and believers as they bring burdens before God, acknowledging that true change and spiritual battles are often won on our knees. It captures the essence of coming alongside God's purposes and the needs of humanity, stepping into the gap as prompted by divine urging.
Musically, “Song of Intercession” creates an atmosphere conducive to its theme. It builds gradually, often featuring minimal instrumentation initially, allowing the weight and sincerity of the vocal delivery to carry the message. McDowell's lead vocals, supported by a layered choir or congregation, reflect the communal nature of prayer, mirroring the biblical truth that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there (Matthew 18:20). The arrangement never overshadows the purpose but serves to intensify the sense of pressing in, of waiting on God, and of releasing burdens. There's a rhythmic undercurrent that suggests persistence, aligning with the instruction to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to not give up in prayer (Luke 18:1).
The message is inextricably linked to the biblical understanding of intercession. Romans 8:26-27 is particularly relevant, speaking of the Holy Spirit helping us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings too deep for words, according to God's will. This song gives voice to that very process, becoming the soundtrack for believers as they yield to the Spirit’s prompting to pray for situations they may not even fully understand but know require divine intervention. It embodies the scriptural mandate found in Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, keeping alert and always praying for all the Lord’s people.
Beyond praying for others, “Song of Intercession” also touches on the reality of spiritual warfare inherent in prayer. Just as Paul speaks of our struggle not being against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12), intercession is often the means by which believers engage these battles in the heavenly realms, petitioning God for breakthroughs, protection, and the advancement of His kingdom. This song provides a corporate expression of that spiritual engagement, inviting everyone present or participating to enter into that place of wrestling in prayer, trusting that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much (James 5:16). It serves as a powerful reminder that even when words fail, the posture of intercession, surrender, and persistent turning to God is itself a profound act of faith and spiritual warfare. The composition allows room for spontaneous prayer and cries, encouraging a genuine, unscripted interaction with the divine as one pours out their heart before the One who hears and understands.
