So, it was little wonder that Grace Hee shuddered when she heard God calling her into a deeper involvement in the prayer ministry in 1997. "But the Lord dealt hard with me, showing me that to be an intercessor is His call for me. In fact, it is the call of every believer," she recalls.

Grace, who now heads the NECF Malaysia Prayer Commission, says that people are often taken aback by the emotional fervour of intercessors when they are praying.

"Intercessors weep a lot not because they have a larger reservoir of tears. It’s because when they come before God, they see what He sees and feel what He feels, and suddenly, not knowing why, we weep along with Him. That accomplishes far more I think than a thousand words at the pulpit persuading people to change. It moves the heart and hand of God," Grace quickly adds.

She believes the unflattering perception of intercessors has not affected the ministry of intercession as much as it has weakened the Church. "As long as the perception remains that intercession is only for weirdos, old ladies and aunties, the Church cannot fully arise and shine. For how can passion and compassion for souls and the heart of God for this nation be imparted except at the feet of Jesus and at the foot of the cross."

Like any other ministry, intercession has its share of black sheep – immature Christians with unhealed wounds, weak discipleship training or poor character development, comments Pr Peter De Run who heads Sabah-based Petros Ministries.Hence, it is not fair to generalise and label them. "Many intercessors are actually warm, loving and genuinely concerned for His Kingdom and the people and events they pray for," he says.

"But strangely, intercession attracts people with unhealed wounds, perhaps because it provides an avenue to minister to them, and a safe place for them to vent their unspoken miseries," he adds, calling for grace to be offered to such ‘flaky intercessors’.

Meanwhile, Grace yearns for more people, especially men, to take up the call to stand in the gap. It appears her desire is being fulfilled. Today, more believers are being burdened to pray like never before, perhaps driven by the dramatic events happening worldwide. Furthermore, intercessors are also gaining respect as they become more mature and wiser.

What can intercessors do to help bring integrity and credibility to the intercession ministry? Grace believes in wisdom and timing. "Mary was wise to keep in her heart the many prophetic words given to her. When the time came, she shared them and was honoured. Had she blared them earlier, she might have been stoned for heresy. Timing makes all the difference.

"So, if God has shown you (intercessors) something that is to come, it is better to hold your peace, continue to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to share it in a way that edifies and not pull down," she advises. She suggests intercessors steer clear of dating events, and urges them to befriend the people they are praying for. Credibility and integrity will not be an issue when intercession is based on friendship with God and man, she says, pointing to Job 16:20–21 as her reference, "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend".

Pr Peter concurs. "First, develop strong, healthy and loving relationships with your pastor and church leaders. Only then will you have the right to speak."

As a sound understanding of the Bible will ‘restrain’ intercessors from side-tracking, it is therefore mandatory for intercessors to study God’s Word. "But above all, let love be your reason for your prayers and all you do and say after interceding," he concludes.