I have a question I’ve wondered about for a number of years. I have been an intercessor and have always considered it a calling of the Lord to pray in intercession for others. I understood early on in my Christian walk the importance of prayer and have seen a great many of those prayers answered. To God goes the glory for those answered prayers. I seem to know things about a person when I pray for them that I had not known before and I am sure the Holy Spirit gives me what to pray at those times. Is this a calling from the Lord or a gift of the Holy Spirit or both?
It’s both. Intercession is not specifically listed among the Spiritual Gifts, but is recommended as part of our worship.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)
I believe the Lord calls certain ones from among the Body of Christ to make sure this happens.
When the Holy Spirit gives you specific information on how to pray for a person it’s a manifestation of the gift of knowledge, which is listed among the Spiritual gifts. You’ll find reference to it in 1 Cor. 12:8.